Mayo Fianna Fáil TD Beverley Flynn has announced that more than €250,000 in funding has been secured from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food for three key businesses in the county.
“I’m delighted to confirm that Feirm Mara Oilean Acla Teo, in Bunnacurry, Achill, will be getting a grant award of €112,000 under the Commercial Aquaculture Development Scheme; Curraun Blue Ltd, based in Mulranny, has been awarded a grant of €95,808 under the same scheme; and Connemara Frozen Seafood based in Westport is to receive funding of €46,000 under the Seafood Processing Business Investment Scheme,” said Deputy Flynn.
These schemes are administered by the sea fisheries board, Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
“This is a major commitment to the agriculture sector in Mayo and demonstrates the importance of agriculture to the local and national economy,” Deputy Flynn added. “I want to thank my colleague, Minister for Fisheries and Food Seán Connick, for his work on these particular initiatives.
“Feirm Mara Oileán Acla Teo operates a turbot fish farm in Achill with huge export potential to the UK and Europe. These businesses are key employers and can help drive forward the agriculture element of the economic recovery under way in the country.
Achill Cllr Michael McNamara also welcomed the funding for the aquaculture industry stating he had been informed of the news by Minister Connick earlier this week.
“These grants will assist both companies in further development and will also ensure employment opportunities in the area.”
Cllr McNamara has contacted Minister Connick and has thanked him for sanctioning the grant aid. "The supports are excellent news and I am confident that the finance involved will be of great assistance to the companies", concluded Cllr McNamara.
