National Seafood Centre opened in west Cork

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has officially opened the National Seafood Centre in Clonakilty, Co Cork.

The center is billed as a 'one stop shop' for parts of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and Bord Iscaigh Mhara.

The value of Irish seafood exports increased 10% in the first 7 months of the year, compared to the same time in 2010.

Minister Coveney said that although the centre is opening at a challenging time for the country, it's also a time of great opportunity for the seafood sector.