Minister McHugh joins Minister Creed during his visit to Donegal for the official opening of the newly redeveloped United Fish Industries Processing Plant Killybegs. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed TD today launched two new major marine projects in Killybegs, Co. Donegal.
The first of these was the redevelopment of the United Fish Industries (UFI) fishmeal plant which has just been completed at a cost of €30million.
The second was the new Killybegs Small Craft Harbour built at a cost of €2.9million.
Fine Gael Minister of State Joe McHugh TD; “I am delighted to welcome Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed TD to Donegal this afternoon, where he has just officially opened the newly redeveloped United Fish Industries Processing Plant in Killybegs.”
“This huge financial investment shows a great confidence in our fishing sector, and this will be a massive boost to Killybegs, and indeed Donegal.”
Minster Creed speaking at the launch, “This new harbour, fully funded by the State, is a first class facility capable of accommodating 63 boats ranging up to 15 metres in length with one berth capable of accommodating larger vessels in excess of 20 metres long. This is great development for Killybegs Harbour and will complement the existing world class facilities in place for our large fishing vessels.”
Minister Joe McHugh added; “I have also arranged for several agricultural groups to meet with Minister Creed and myself while he is in Killybegs today to discuss a wide range of topics affecting our Donegal farmers at present. These include the recent affects on lands by the adverse weather conditions, changes to GLAS payments for the Hill and Commonage farmers, as well as some issues and implications around farm payments for part-time farmers among other issues and concerns.”
Minister Creed’s visit follows his announcement last Friday that payments worth over €140M under 2016 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme have started issuing to farmers. The farming payment of €11,716,998.47 was approved to 5176 farmers in Donegal, the third highest allocation in Ireland.
“I welcome the opportunity to discuss these various issues with Minister Creed that are of concern to Donegal’s farmers and I very much look forward to meeting with these local community groups and organisations in an effort to assist them with their concerns.”
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