Major boost for Donegal's fishing industry

FIVE Donegal seafood processing and aquaculture companies are to benefit from grants worth almost €1.5million.

Announcing the awards, Donegal TD Joe McHugh revealed that Donegal had secured the highest amount of funding for the sector.

Mr McHugh said: “I am delighted to announce that Donegal has received a huge investment boost from the Government and European Union in order to sustain and develop the hugely important seafood and aquaculture industry in the county.

“Five companies will benefit. These are businesses that are providing valuable employment and helping to sustain coastal communities while at the same time they are develop new markets for the Donegal economy. They have ambitious plans and with this financial backing they can now set their sights on taking advantage of growth opportunities.

“Donegal is leagues above other parts of the country when it comes to the seafood and aquaculture industry and it is impressive to see such strong backing for the growth of the industry from both our own Government and from Europe.

“In total €1,492,002 is being sanctioned in grants and I’d like to praise the teams involved in Atlantic Bluestack Oysters, Ocean Farm Ltd, Racoo Shellfish, Bells Isle Seafoods and Donegal Fish Ltd for pursuing ambitious growth strategies.

“Donegal has secured more funding for seafood and aquaculture businesses than any other county in this latest round of funding. This is what can be achieved with the right determination from business and the influence that I can exert around the Cabinet table.”

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