Approved Killybegs fishing business expansion could provide 100 jobs

Donegal County Council has conditionally approved planning for the proposed expansion of a fishing business in Killybegs, which is anticipated to provide around 100 jobs in South West Donegal.

Karl McHugh, of the Atlantic Dawn Group, successfully submitted an application for the proposed extension to the Atlantic Dawn Group fish processing facility for fish protein production.

Included in the application were external tanks and equipment, and all associated site works.

Atlantic Dawn Group, based on Roshine Road, Killybegs, has traded in the town since the 1980s, with the original warehouse being built in 1980, and extended in 2007 and 2010.

In support documents produced by Carr Consulting Engineers, it was stated: “The proposed development will consist of new extensions to the existing building to accommodate fish intake, enzymatic hydrolysis protein production, spray drier, bioscrubber (odour control) plantrooms, workshops and warehouse storage for finished product and associated external tanks.

“It is proposed to process both fresh and frozen fish per day. The fish species are primarily blue whiting (Typically January to April- fresh and April to December- frozen) plus boar fish from September to Dec (fresh) as available.”

Also stated was that there would be a target output of 64 tonnes a day of the finished product.

Regarding employment, it was commented: “It is anticipated that this process will provide circa 100 new jobs in South West Donegal and secure existing employment at this facility.

“The new jobs will include process staff, plus management, and key technical, research and development positions.

“Creation of these roles in Killybegs will position Killybegs as a true centre of excellence for research and development activities in marine biorefinery science.”

Donegal County Council granted approval for the project, with 12 conditions, including a condition imposing that the applicant or permission’s beneficiary should contribute a payment of €29,538 in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area of the Planning Authority that is already provided or is intended to be provided by the Authority.

The applicant was further advised of the necessity to obtain a Fire Safety Certificate and that adequate provision should be made to facilitate access to and the use of the development for people with disabilities.