Ports are open for business, BIM tells French

IRISH ports may benefit from a welcome jobs boost, following meetings between Agriculture Minster Simon Coveney, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and French organisations representing 850 fishing vessels.

BIM estimate that for every extra vessel landing its catch here for processing, an average of five jobs will be created. Total fishing opportunities in the waters around Ireland are valued at €1.2 billion.

The Irish fleets’ share of this is 18% in volume terms, worth some €200 million.