Ireland's Sofrimar receives US$386,547 seafood fund

Sofrimar, an Irish seafood company, is to receive a EUR283,000 (US$386,547) funding boost under the Seafood Processing Business Development Scheme.

Local Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State at Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Sean Connick announced the news Thursday (Sep 30) that Sofrimar, (which provides a lot of employment in Kilmore Quay), is to receive EUR283,250 in funding.

"The Government is awarding EUR1.75 million (US$2.39 million) to Irish seafood processing and aquaculture companies this year under the Seafood Processing Development Scheme. Kilmore Quay-based company Sofrimar will receive EUR283,250 (US$386,947). Sofrimar celebrated 30 years in business last year and have grown their company substantially over the years. Sofrimar was awarded the 'Seafood Exporter of 2007' by the Irish Exporters' Association who said that they were a wonderful example of an exceptional seafood company," Connick said.

He said the funding is allocated to product development and innovation.

"I am delighted at this local investment that will help to safeguard local jobs and grow the company. The fishing and seafood-processing industries are under pressure everywhere including in the south east but I am confident that this investment will help. As the minister with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry, I see the whole sector as one with huge potential for growth particularly in job creation and exports and the government's investment is a statement of real confidence in the sector," he concluded.