Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 525: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives taken or planned to upgrade commercial activity for Killybegs Harbour, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32343/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre is one of six Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned and managed by my Department. In 2005 a new €50 million harbour development was opened at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre. This new harbour is capable of accommodating large vessels. The fishing industry at Killybegs is a significant contributor to the local economy and my Department is anxious to fully utilize the new harbour for fisheries related (and compatible) activities.

In April 2008 my predecessor, the present Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan T.D., launched the Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre Marketing Strategy. In addition I intend to publish business plans for each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres. The business plans will set out, in detail, the steps to be taken over the next five years to grow and diversify business at the Fishery Harbour Centres. The Business Plan for Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre together with the Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre Marketing Strategy will provide the blueprint for the continued development and success of Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre.