asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the proposals, if any, regarding the fish processing industry for the Castletownbere area of County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Fish Processing Industry.
12.
My Department have two firm proposals on hands for the setting up of industrial enterprises on Dinish Island, County Cork, one for a fish processing factory, for which an IDA grant has now been approved, and the other, which is being progressed as speedily as possible, for a fish meal plant and processing unit.
Inquiries as to the availability of sites at Dinish Island for further industrial projects, including processing facilities, have been received from six sources.
Could the Minister tell the House when he thinks one of these projects will start?
The grant has been allocated in one case. I am told planning for a grant application is at an advanced stage in the case of a second one. There have been inquiries from six others which should ensure the viability of the industrial estate at Castletownbere. The Spanish project is very far advanced.
Will the Minister ensure that there will be consultations with the local fishermen?
Yes. That is essential to ensure that there is co-ordination.