UP to 120 jobs are
being created with the development of a €35 million
marine food factory in Killybegs.
The Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO) has
joined forces with Norwegian partner Biomarine
Science Technology (BST) in a proposal to develop
the world’s largest bio-marine ingredients facility
The proposed project will result in the creation of
up to 50 jobs during the construction phase and a
further 70 direct and indirect jobs when it goes
into full production in 2016.
The facility will be used to extract high-end
proteins, oils and calcium from fish for use as food
ingredients. These include valuable marine proteins
as well as lipids, which are naturally occurring
molecules and fat-soluble vitamins. The proposed
plant also has the potential to produce supplements
for athletes.
“This proposed new facility can become a
game-changer in the seafood sector positioning
Killybegs and Ireland as a global leader in supply
and research around new products and benefits from
protein, oils and calcium associated with the sea,"
said KFO chief executive Sean O’Donoghue.
“Diversification and the establishment of new
high-value activities such as this, is a key part of
our remit. By forging an alliance with BST we are
partnering with a firm with many years of experience
in pharmaceutical, marine biotech and international
commodity business.”
A site has been identified for the proposed new
facility subject to planning permission and state
aid. The plant will have the capacity to process up
to 50,000 tonnes of raw material annually. While
boarfish will be the primary source of raw material,
the facility will also be able to utilise other
species such as blue whiting. |
