€60M Killybegs fishmeal plant relocation will more than double production and create more jobs.

An Bord Pleanála has approved a planning application for a €60M plant relocation this month. The application was prepared by RPS on behalf of United Fish Industries Ltd (UFI). The project involves a relocation of Ireland’s only fishmeal processing plant to a new larger facility at the Fishery Harbour Centre in Killybegs. The project is expected to create up to 70 jobs during construction and will increase the capacity of the plant to handle up to 2,000 tonnes of fish processing per day.

RPS prepared the Environmental Impact Statement for the project and provided consultancy services for the Foreshore Licence, as well as preparing the planning application and advising on planning matters relating to the plant and design – including project managing the design and build of the facility. An application for an IPPC Licence (Integrated Pollution Prevention Control) is also being prepared for submission to the EPA.

The project was granted permission by Donegal County Council in January 2007 with 22 conditions attached. However, local objections required the decision to go An Bord Pleanála and RPS prepared further submissions on behalf of UFI. AnBP subsequently upheld the decision to grant (in October 2007) and directed that only 12 conditions be imposed.

The existing fishmeal plant at Donegal Road in Killybegs has operated for more than 50 years and is vital to the local fishing industry – processing up to 800 tonnes of fish and fish by-products each day. The offal from fish filleting & processing plants is not wasted, rather UFI pay a dividend for this “waste” material and process it into fishmeal and fishoil through a cooking, drying and grinding process. UFI also use whole industrial fish, not destined for human consumption, caught in the January to April season to supplement their raw material supply. The scheme includes for reclamation of foreshore to allow construction of a dedicated berth to land industrial fish and convey it directly to the plant, together with new processing buildings, silos and offices.

Killybegs is one of Ireland’s main fishing ports and the growth and continued development of the industry requires greater landing and processing provision to ensure that the efficient turnaround of domestic and foreign vessels keeps pace with industry development and needs. The new, larger facility will not only more than double production capacity, but will also increase the efficient fish landing capacity and minimise odour problems associated with the old plant – essential requirements of the business’ and industry’s development. The planned plant is designed to a first-class construction and environmental standard and is expected to be completed and operational by 2009.

Contact:
RPS Belfast (Elmwood House) – Planning & Development
T: +44 (0) 28 9066 7914