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

I did not know that, and I am pleased the Deputy informed me of it. I will inquire about the matter. It does make sense to have a presence in Killybegs, as that is where the fish are landed. Killybegs is by far Ireland’s largest fishing port, certainly for the pelagic industry. I must be careful not to get into the decision-making process LYIT must make in terms of where it develops and spends money. That is not my role. My role is a supportive one - to try to bring the various stakeholders together to ensure that we maximise the potential of Killybegs as a port and the potential of the seafood industry both through Killybegs and through the broader infrastructure within Donegal. I will make inquiries into the concerns expressed by Deputy Pringle, but in the meantime we will continue to provide the supports to BIM and other stakeholders that have been given for the past two years. This has been a joint effort. Deputy Pringle might remember that I was somewhat frustrated at the initial cynical response to the jobs initiative. The cynicism is now gone and people realise that we are serious about it and we are investing in it. We will continue to do that. I will follow up on the specific concern raised by the Deputy.

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