asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the number of persons employed in fish processing; and if there are any proposals to increase processing capacity.
Written Answers. - Fish Processing.
44.
The numbers currently employed in the fish processing industry are estimated to be 1,700 full time plus an extra 1,300 part time employed during the peak season.
An Bord Iascaigh Mhara are at present examining a number of proposals with IDA and Údarás na Gaeltachta for the provision of increased capacity for the processing of added value products based on wild and farmed fish varities such as herring, whitefish, salmon and mussels.
46.
asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the present position in regard to the development of a 35,000 square feet industrial site in Howth harbour; and if he will lease out the site to private enterprise for the erection of fish processing factories there, in view of the lack of public funds to develop the site.
The present position is that all services have been laid on up to the point of entry to the industrial estate and will be extended in accordance with the allocation of sites. Thus development of this area is almost completed and negotiations are proceeding with interested parties for the leasing of sites. Accordingly, I do not propose to lease out the industrial estate to private enterprise.