Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre is Ireland's premier fishing port. To date, in excess of €50 million has been invested in the development of the harbour by my Department. This investment has brought the harbour infrastructure and facilities up to a class leading standard.

My Department is conscious of the valuable and necessary contribution the harbour plays in the support and development of the fishing industry, together with the benefits that accrue to the local and national economies. In addition, I am aware of the potential Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre holds for the development and growth of other industries and enterprises in the harbour area that must, of necessity, be compatible with the requirements of the fishing industry.

Mr. Kevin Bonnar, former Secretary General of the Department of Enterprise and Employment, chaired a group of key officials of State agencies to identify marketing opportunities for Killybegs. Following extensive consultations with representatives from all sectors, including fishing, commercial, educational, marine leisure and tourism, Mr. Bonnar compiled a report for the Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre marketing strategy. The marketing strategy was launched in 2008 and set out a vision for the development of the area which includes but extends beyond the fishing industry and my Department. The report identifies many areas with potential for growth, including fishing, food processing and fish by-products, servicing the oil and gas exploration business, marine leisure and tourism and attracting cruise ships, an industry that has been growing steadily in Killybegs. Already, there are seven cruise ships booked in for this year alone.

In the following year the business plans for the development of the fishery harbour centres were launched. The business plans for the six fishery harbour centres which are owned and operated by my Department and located at Killybegs, Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Ros a Mhíl and An Daingean were drafted following an extensive consultation process.

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