Killybegs targets world status as a producer of bio-marine ingredients

The Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation has joined forces with Norwegian partner Biomarine Science Technology (BST) to develop the world’s largest bio-marine ingredients facility in Killybegs.

A joint-venture company, Bio-marine Ingredients Ireland Ltd (BII), has also been formced to promote the proposed new facilty. The €35m project is set to create up to 50 jobs during the construction phase and a further 70 direct and indirect jobs at full productin by 2016.

“This proposed new facility can become a game-changer in the seafood sector by positioning Killybegs and Ireland as a global leader in supply and research around new products and benefits from protein, oils and calcium associtated with the sea,” said Sean O’Donoghue, KFO.

CEO appointment

The board of Bio-Marine Ingredients has announced (3/06) the appointment of outgoing BIM CEO, Jason Whooley, to head up the new venture from September.

Announcing the appointment, BII chairman Martin Howley said they were delighted to have attracted “somebody of the calibre and experience of Mr Whooley to lead the €35m project.

“Jason has  been responsible for significant changes in BIM in his seven years as CEO and has made a very valuable contribution to the development of the Irish seafood sector. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the sector makes him an excellent appointment for BII.”