Minister Dooley addresses the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association Annual General Meeting 2025
- Published on: 4 April 2025
- Last updated on: 8 April 2025
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley, today attended the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association (IFPEA) Annual General Meeting in Ennis, Co. Clare.
Following his recent meeting with seafood industry representatives, including the IFPEA, Minister Dooley took the opportunity to acknowledge the positive engagement he has received from the seafood processing sector, and the commitment, resilience, and adaptability of those working in the sector.
The value of turnover in the seafood processing sector in 2023 was €947 million, with seafood exports in 2024 of approximately €595 million.
Speaking at the IFPEA AGM Minister Dooley recognised the importance of the seafood processing sector and seafood exports to the Irish economy and rural coastal communities; to food innovation; and to Ireland’s position as a producer of world-class seafood.
He outlined his commitment to working with industry to support and develop Ireland’s seafood processing sector and to grow Ireland's seafood exports, commenting:
“Ireland produces seafood to a very high quality, that is in high demand in both Irish and foreign markets. We need to continue to build on our reputation for world class seafood products and explore all avenues to develop our production capacity."
Minister Dooley referenced the role the government has played in supporting the seafood processing sector, previously through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), through schemes funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) and currently through Ireland's Seafood Development Programme, which is jointly funded by the Irish government and the EU Commission under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
He emphasised the importance of investment in the processing sector to support its continued sustainable development, and to help companies diversify and grow. Minister Dooley spoke of the range of supports and services available to the sector across a number of state agencies such as An Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland, and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland.
Minister Dooley concluded:
"I believe the growth in turnover in recent years is a cause for optimism, and I firmly believe the seafood processing sector has a bright future."