Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are also plans to expand existing salmon farming activities at Duínis Island, Waterville, County Kerry. This development will be worth €11 million to the local economy. There are approximately 90 bays around the coast of Ireland and I am sure a huge number of these remain to be licensed. I welcome the fact that 100 commercial licences have been granted, particularly as approximately 450,000 people are unemployed at present. If one takes it that 20 jobs can be created per licence, then 2,000 jobs can be brought on stream quite soon. In addition, if the 600 licence applications that are pending are all granted, then a further 12,000 jobs could be created. Our marine resource is one of the greatest assets we have and we should ensure that it is developed as speedily as possible.

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