Coughlan to announce business blueprints for six harbour centres

FIVE-year business plans for six fishery harbour centres around the country will be published shortly, Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Mary Coughlan announced yesterday.

She said these plans will provide a blueprint for the operation of the centres in general, while exploiting the unique attributes of each individual harbour.

The centres are in Killybegs, Dunmore East, Dingle, Rossaveal, Howth and Castletownbere.

Ms Coughlan said she will also be asking the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority to establish a border inspection post for a trial period of 18 months in Killybegs.

She was speaking in Killybegs at the launch of a marketing strategy for the local fishery harbour centre aimed at pursuing new business opportunities, including more shipping activity.

Ms Coughlan said Killybegs is Ireland’s premier fishing port and accounts for over one-third of all the registered fish landings in the country.

“It contributes enormously to the economy of south Donegal and of the country as a whole. This government has already invested €50 million in the development of this magnificent new harbour facility.”