Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am committed to continuing the path set out in the report of the high-level group on the Killybegs jobs initiative, which reported in October 2011. The report identified the potential for establishing Killybegs as a centre for research and innovation.

Recommending an integrated approach, the report seeks to position Killybegs as the premier fisheries port of the north-west Atlantic. During 2012, Ireland secured a high share of boarfish quota, approximately 56,000 tonnes, and the development project linked to that has now become very much part of the broader development plan for seafood in Killybegs.

With regard to the development of a seafood innovation hub at Letterkenny Institute of Technology, LYIT, School of Tourism, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM, and LYIT have been engaged in a range of activities incorporating knowledge and technology transfer between the seafood development centre and the Killybegs campus, including joint meetings and a visit by the LYIT management to Clonakilty to assist in the development of seafood innovation on the campus. As part of the BIM-Donegal Enterprise Board seafood business programme, a number of workshops with industry participants have been held successfully in LYIT.

Currently BIM and LYIT are engaged in a series of practical partnerships aimed at supporting and developing local seafood processing companies. The initiatives of this partnership include market research through the deployment of master's students, industry workshops and, in particular, new product development projects focused on the crab and pelagic sector. The LYIT Killybegs campus offers excellent culinary facilities and opportunities to develop and test new seafood products at the pre-commercialisation stage. A particular focus is on developing new opportunities for boarfish products.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

In 2012, the pelagic sector generated approximately €64 million in additional export revenues. As pelagic exports are located primarily around Killybegs, BIM actively supports the development of a seafood innovation centre at the LYIT School of Tourism in Killybegs. It is anticipated that this approach will support the shift from commodity to value-added pelagic, salmon and crab exports. I expect that the concerted and ongoing marketing of Killybegs as a premier port will position Killybegs as a port of choice for international fishing fleets, capable of facilitating port logistics, local expertise and services.

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