The Border, Midland and Western (BMW) region is to receive over £6 million in combined EU/Exchequer support for aquaculture development.
The funding, which is due to be announced by the Minister for the Marine, Mr Fahey, today, has been approved for projects on the Galway, Mayo and Donegal coastlines.
The 22 projects comprise one freshwater finfish farm, 13 marine finfish farms, six shellfish farms and two public ventures to provide technical support.
The Minister has said the sustainable development of aquaculture is a Government priority, particularly in remote areas.
Investment support has more than doubled to £25 million in the BMW and South and East regions over the period of the National Development Plan (NDP).
This first round of awards under the NDP regional programme represents "the beginning of a determined drive to help position Irish aquaculture produce as a clearly identifiable top-class product," which can secure "premium prices" in the competitive European and global marketplace, the Minister said.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of the relevant development agencies to help the industry develop.
The successful projects in Galway are: Gaelic Seafoods, Bertraghboy Bay (£376,321); Gaelic Seafoods, Ballynakill (£93,269).
Also Muirachmhainni Teo, Leitir Meallain (£128,000). Tairgeoiri Bia Mara Atlantach Teo, Carraroe (£545,600).
Killary Salmon (£756,629); Mannin Bay Salmon Co (£185,776); Killary Fjord Shellfish Ltd (£28,000).
In addition, two projects were approved for Mayo: Feirm Farraige Oileann Chliara Teo (Clare Island Seafarm - £807,937); and Seastream Ltd, Clew Bay (£461,201).
And in Donegal, the successful projects are as follows: Bradan Fanad Teo, Kindrum, Lough Swilly (£301,689).
Also Bradan Maoil Rua Teo, Glinsk (£280,808); Creevin Salmon Farm Ltd, Inver (£72,513); Eany Fish Products Ltd (£42,000); Ocean Farm Ltd, Killybegs (£968,344).
Fanad Pettigoe Teo, Pettigo (£182,615); Donegal Aquaculture Services, Mountcharles (£18,787); Mulroy Bay Mussels Ltd (£26,042).
Donegal Oysters Ltd, Mountcharles (£31,495); Lough Swilly Shellfish (£67,328); Iasc Sliogeisc Uisce, Mulroy Bay (£61,534).
A sum of £1,180,535 has been approved for a quality and environmental programme and a sum of £242,843 has been approved for a regional officers' programme.
