asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the plans, if any, he has for the provision of increased fish processing facilities at Castletownbere, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fish Processing at Castletownbere (Cork).
102.
The establishment of fish processing facilities in the State is primarily a matter for private enterprise. Grants are available from the Industrial Development Authority and from the European Community's FEOGA fund for suitable projects, as well as from Údarás na Gaeltachta for projects located in Gaeltacht areas.
A new herring processing factory is at present nearing completion on Dinish Island, Castletownbere, and is expected to start production shortly. It has been approved for grant aid by the IDA and the EC. Discussions are under way with four firms in the south-west region regarding expansion of fish processing and handling facilities at Castletownbere. These discussions are at various stages of development.