Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the innovative fin fish farming projects that are inland away from the coast; the action he and BIM are taking to support these projects. [51119/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of a number of innovative, inland fin-fish farming projects, including the farming of European Perch and Arctic Charr in a number of locations in Counties Sligo, Cavan, Galway Roscommon and Tipperary. My Department and BIM are working very closely with the promoters of these projects. I understand that some are open and trading, while others are currently seeking further inward investment to reopen and restock. BIM advise me that the market prospects for these species are very good and the customer reaction and prices achieved thus far have been positive.

BIM has a dedicated project officer in place supplying these companies with technical support. Assistance has been provided by BIM as these companies have developed. I would hope that those units currently out of production can be brought back on line as soon as possible so as to take advantage of the excellent market opportunity for their products.