asked the Minister for Lands if in view of the glut of herrings on the Donegal coast he will ask Atlantic Fisheries to reopen their fish meal plant at Killybegs, or, alternatively, arrange for An Bord Iascaigh Mhara to take over the plant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killybegs Fish Meal Plant.
60.
I am keeping the matter under constant review and understand that certain negotiations are at present in progress which I hope may lead to the re-opening of the fishmeal factory at Killybegs.
Is it a fact that Atlantic Fisheries lost over £150,000 in the last 12 months?
That is a private company and I have no information as to the state of its finances.
Has the Minister any information as to why Atlantic Fisheries closed down?
I have certain information as to why certain people concerned say they closed down, part of that information being that they allege failure of adequate supplies from the fishermen. I am not in a position to assess this claim in one way or the other.
Is the Minister aware that that company maintained operations during the whole period in which there was no fish or never was any fish on that coast? I understand that on this coast as from November 1st it is common knowledge that fish of many varieties become available in shoals normally and that it is on the arrival of this date that the plant closed.
I have already stated that this is a private concern running its own business. These allegations have been made as to why it closed down and my present information is that negotiations are going on by other people with a view to taking the concern over. I do not think I should express any other view than to assure the House that I am watching the matter.
How much money out of State grants went to the Atlantic Fisheries?
That is a separate question.
The remaining Oral Questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.