Dawn Country Meats Ltd, which is situated in Ballyhaunis, has been granted €5 million from the Government. The money is being allocated to Dawn from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food’s beef and sheep meat investment fund.
An Taoiseach Brian Cowen announced €69 million under the fund for 15 capital investment projects around the country, including Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis. The company is set to receive the €5 million in grant assistance over the next three years.
The news has been welcomed by Gerard McHale, Fianna Fáil’s election candidate in the Claremorris electoral area, which takes in Ballyhaunis.
“The Government funding will be added to considerably by the company itself and it will be used to develop a high value slaughtering and processing plant for beef and lamb,” said Mr McHale.
“This is the largest such capital investment by the Government in 20 years and it is intended that the investment will have great dividends in terms of increasing sales and exports, and maintaining jobs, and helping to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the industry.
“The beef and sheep meat processing industries are critically important indigenous industries and they are vital components of the agri-food sector in Ireland.
“With the globalisation of the industry it is vital that we remain on top of our game and to do that we need to lower production costs and improve efficient by upgrading facilities.
“The grant assistance will be paid over a number of years and it is hoped that the investment in Dawn Country Meats Ltd will help maintain and create jobs at the company,” Mr McHale concluded.
