Plans unveiled for shellfish industry

A two-and-a-half million pound plan has been unveiled to get our shellfish industry back on its feet after a devastating wave of so-called red tide.

The naturally occurring bio-toxin has closed down much of the industry for more than 12 months and nothing can be done to combat it.

However, announcing the government aid package in Bantry, Co Cork, Minister of State, Hugh Byrne, was optimistic of a full recovery.

"I would expect that they will be back in full business in the coming years. I know they are quite pleased because it is not easy to get hold of money now for disasters such as this.

"All of these people around the coasts have wonderful expertise. It would be very difficult to get new people involved and interested so I want to hold on to those who are there, who have been around the block and know their business," he said.