The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, has announced 85 new jobs for Killala, Co Mayo, as part of a £2.3 million Forbairt-backed expansion at fish processors, Carokeel Seafoods. A new purpose built factory beside its existing plant will open on Wednesday taking on an initial 20 workers. The remainder of the new jobs will come on stream over the next 18 months, according to managing director, Mr Brendan Chambers.

Mr Harney said yesterday the investment had been agreed with assistance from Forbairt, the Killala Community Council, North Connaught Farmers and Carokeel's senior management team.

The announcement, she said, "clearly demonstrates the will of the local community to help to secure their own future".

Mr Chambers said the company, which currently employs 130 people between two plants at Killala and Limerick, had decided to make a further investment in the Mayo area because of its confidence in the local workforce.

He also acknowledged the support of the Galway-based Business and Innovation Centre for west/ north-west Ireland which, he said, had been particularly instrumental in securing the new jobs investment.

Carokeel Seafoods has been in business for 10 years, and expanded to Killala in 1993. Over the years it has built up a branded business in chilled processed Irish seafood products.

Its range includes, smoked salmon, fisherman's platter and vacuum-packed mussels. The Co Mayo plant is dedicated to mussel production.

Carokeel exports 80 per cent of its products to Britain, the US, Continental Europe and the Far East and also has built up a significant market for its products in Ireland.

In the past three years, it has won contracts to supply a number of Britain's major supermarket chains, and is currently doing business with Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda. In total it supplies 65 supermarket chains worldwide.

The Tanaiste said the expansion would allow the company to take advantage of new market opportunities and achieve further growth in the future.