January 23rd 2004.

Irish South and West Fishermens Organisation Offices opened by Minister Ahern

The new offices of the Irish South and West Fishermens Organisation in Castletownbere will be officially opened today by Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D., Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

The new 500 square metre, 2 storey development which cost €750,000 is situated on the pier contains offices for the Irish South and West Fishermens Organisation, the Marine Institute and other marine related businesses. There is also a state-of-the-art fisheries research laboratory and boardroom with full video-conferencing facilities.

“We are delighted to welcome Minister Ahern to Castletownbere and to show him at first hand what the fishing industry means to West Cork,” Mr. Jason Whooley of the IS&WFO said. “There is a high level of confidence in the industry and this is very apparent when we see the level of investment being made by fishermen. Our new offices represent the organisations determination to develop in the future and gives us a solid administrative base to work from.”

“The announcement by the minister of the €25m investment in the harbour is extremely welcome. Up to now we have been operating with 3rd world facilities. This investment will ensure that the South-West industry have the required infrastructure to allow us to compete in the future. We have already invested massively in the South-West in fleet terms over the last 5 years (approx. €40m), the harbour development is another piece in the jigsaw. The fishing scene is changing rapidly and is becoming increasingly competitive on a global scale, the Irish industry needs to position itself in order to be viable in the future. Major changes right across the industry will be required. Fishing organisations will not be exempt from the changing environment, our new administrative base will assist in that process."