Marine Marine Charlie McConalogue has announced €4.8 million in new investment by eight seafood processing companies, with his department’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme (EMFF) providing more than €1.4 million in grants.
The grants amounting to €1,408,949 are funded half-and-half by the Government and European Union and are subject to terms and conditions.
Announcing the grants, Minister McConalogue said 2020 “has been a difficult year for our seafood sector, as it has for our economy as a whole.
“So, it is heartening to see many of our leading seafood processors continue to invest to further grow their businesses. I am delighted to support these eight seafood processors in building for the future.
“Although the processing sector continues to face challenges, with the pandemic continuing to impact on world markets and uncertainties and risks around the ongoing trade negotiations with the UK, there are also many opportunities to continue to develop and prosper, as companies adapt and innovate to unlock the market opportunities that are available for quality Irish seafood products.”
The minister added that the EMFF remains “open for business” and continues to provide grants for a wide range of investments in Ireland’s seafood sector “including capital investment, innovation, business planning and marketing”.
The latest funding boost for the sector follows €3.5 million invested in six seafood processing companies in June, and a €3.4 million investment across 15 aquaculture enterprises in July.
Among the eight beneficiaries in this latest round of investment, Co Cork-based Good Fish Processing and Keohane Seafood also received grants in the June funding announcement.
Grant approvals - Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme 2020
Beneficiary |
Location |
Project |
Total Investment |
EMFF Grant |
Bio-marine Ingredients Ireland Ltd. |
Monaghan |
Automated Powder Bagging System and associated modifications. |
€153,691 |
€46,107 |
Rockabill Seafood Ltd. |
Dublin |
Air purifier and crab labelling system |
€153,281 |
€43,918 |
Shellfish De La Mer |
Cork |
Airflow, cooler and conveyor systems, and steam cooker |
€442,590 |
€130,723 |
Atlantis Seafood Wexford Ltd.
|
Wexford |
White fish filleting line & Skin Packer |
€715,685 |
€214,706 |
Kish Fish Company Ltd.
|
Dublin |
Blast chill, packing room, vacuum packing machine |
€30,825 |
€9,248 |
Good Fish Processing (Carrigaline) Ltd.
|
Cork |
White fish filleting line |
€1,511,444 |
€449,979 |
Keohane Seafoods Unlimited
|
Cork |
Salmon processing equipment and factory reconfiguration |
€1,712,709 |
€463,899 |
Breizon Ltd. |
Galway |
Reduction in energy costs through solar PV installation |
€93,799 |
€14,070 |
Total: |
|
€4,814,024 |
€1,372,649 |
Grant approvals – Seafood Innovation and Business Planning Scheme
Beneficiary |
County |
Project |
Total Investment |
EMFF Grant |
Keohane Seafoods Unlimited
|
Cork |
Management and business planning consultancy |
€72,600 |
€36,300 |
Total: |
|
|
€72,600 |
€36,300 |