CASTLETOWNBERE seafood processor, Shellfish Ireland, has completed a €500,000 investment aimed at expanding sales and providing consumers a wider variety of high quality, value-added seafood products.

Shellfish Ireland is supplied by over 160 inshore fishermen who provide an economic boost for many coastal communities throughout the country.

The company received €236,000 in grant support through the Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme, which is administered under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.

The scheme is also partially funded by the Government and the European Union through BIM.

The investment is expected to support the company’s annual sales of more than €14 million, and ensure its return to pre-Covid profitability.

Carol Harrington, the chief executive of Shellfish Ireland, agreed that the investment will consolidate the company’s core European markets.

It will also allow the company to pursue new opportunities, and re-enter the Asian market, especially China.

‘This represents a major step forward for Shellfish Ireland, allowing us to build on decades of expertise while continuing to support employment in Castletownbere,’​ the company’s chief executive told The Southern Star.

The investment has paved the way for the successful launch of the company’s new crab and shrimp products. It also provided the finance to upgrade processing, and add automation​, both of which have led to a broader product range for domestic and international markets.

Meanwhile, renewable and energy-efficient processes, including solar power, have reduced the company’s carbon footprint.

Richard Donnelly, the interim CEO of BIM, said: ‘This investment by Shellfish Ireland is a great example of how Irish seafood entrepreneurs are adopting both innovation and sustainability to stay ahead of the competition.’

He said it will give the company ‘long-term resilience’ by improving the production process and adding new lines.

Carol Harrington said: ‘The investment supports our three-year strategic plan to grow our presence in both domestic and international markets.’

Export sales currently account for approximately 65% of total turnover, with France and Spain representing the company’s largest overseas destinations.

Carol Harrington said the domestic market will remain a key focus, with increased demand from retailers and customers for greater value and choice.

Founded in 1987 by local fishermen, Shellfish Ireland has grown from a local restaurant fish supplier into one of Ireland’s leading processors of crab and shrimp.

The company operates from a 24,000 sq ft fully-integrated processing facility, the only plant in Ireland with a fully specialised crab processing line.

It employs up to 140 people at peak season, with 110 staff employed year-round, making it one of the largest employers in the Beara Peninsula.

The facility is HACCP-approved, AA BRC certified and Shellfish Ireland is a member of Origin Green and Irish Crab FIP, reflecting its commitment to quality, responsible sourcing and sustainability.