One of the best ever one-liners from the comic genius Billy Connolly is: “Did you hear about the oyster who went to a disco and pulled a mussel?
Just thought we’d get that in because it’s Friday and we’re bored and it’s not often we get news about shellfish or aquaculture.
Two County Louth Oyster companies have today been awarded grants totalling €311,508 from the Department of Agriculture’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme.
Keenan Oysters Ltd is to receive a grant of €179,462 to support an investment of €448,656 and Cooley Oysters Ltd has been awarded €132,046 to support an investment of €330,115.
Local Fine Gael TD, Fergus O’Dowd, has welcomed news. “The grants are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union and are subject to terms and conditions” he said.
The total EMFF investment announced by Minister McConalogue today will see €1.8m in grants to 28 Aquaculture companies, the grants will support €4.5m in investment in the sector.
“This is great news at a difficult time for Aquaculture, Brexit has and continues to cause many problems for shellfish companies but it is very encouraging to see local organisations signalling their expansion plans.
“This is a very strong return for the two local businesses and I wish them all the very best in the years ahead.”
