asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will outline his plans for the development of fish processing in Castletownbere, County Cork, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Castletownbere (Cork) Fish Processing.
259.
My Department have three firm proposals on hands for the setting up of industrial enterprises on Dinish Island, County Cork.
An integrated processing and fishing project is being developed in stages and the first stage involving the erection of a processing factory with cold storage and freezing facilities is at present underway and is expected to be in operation within a matter of months.
The company in question, comprising Irish and Spanish interests, has acquired three fishing vessels to supplement purchases from local sources to keep the factory supplied with fish. Planning has already commenced on the second stage of the factory which will incorporate further freezing and cold storage facilities as well as an expansion in filleting and processing. The third stage of the factory includes the installation of a plant to produce sophisticated added-value fish products and is planned for 1983.
Detailed discussions are underway with an Irish firm for the establishment of a fishmeal plant and this facility will form part of the overall development of the fish processing and catching industry not only in the port but also in the general south-west area.
Detailed negotiations are also underway for the establishment of a fish handling and processing factory with a Dutch firm which has been purchasing fish in the port for the last two years.
A leading Dublin fish processing company has established a branch factory at Castletownbere which is employing up to 20 people. An expansion of the facilities at this factory is at present being considered.