Firstly I would like to welcome you all here today to the new business gateway to the North West.
On your way into the building you will have all seen the very fine "Seascapes" sculpture by Jackie McKenna from Manorhamilton. This was commissioned under the Governments Percent for Art Scheme and it is a suitable and fitting addition to this fine port.
Today I am also officially launching an archaeology publication by Aegis. This deals with the archaeological heritage of the port and to be exact of the ground where we now stand, which was called Rough Point. The publication gives an interesting insight to life in Killybegs in the 17th Century and the close early associations between this part of the country and Scotland.
In May 2004, my predecessor Minister Ahern officially opened the new development at the port. The investment of some €50m marked the largest single investment in a fishing port, in the history of the State. The work at the port was undertaken to meet the recognised needs of Ireland's largest fishing port, which has for generations, been synonymous with the fishing industry.
On the day of opening, it was clearly highlighted that the new facility would not only cater for the needs of the fishing fleet, but would also compete for other shipping opportunities. However on that note I want to stress that the status of the port will not be changed, it will continue to operate and function as one of the countries 5 Fishery Harbour Centres. Killybegs is however a unique product in that family of harbours.
In order to promote that unique product in November of 2004, my Department commissioned a project to actively market the port to a wider customer base, thereby supporting the ongoing efforts of the Killybegs community. A Steering group was formed which included officials from the Department, representatives from other Government agencies and local Harbour management. The focus of the work has been on meeting with local business people, community representative groups, existing customers, potential customers and with Harbour staff thus enabling harbour management to plot a course which will ensure a strong, viable, efficient and competitive port for the future.
2004 saw the first of many successes for Killybegs including the importation of a large consignment of wind turbines. Recent media articles would suggest that Donegal has become the wind capital of Ireland, and can now proudly claim to have Ireland's largest onshore windfarm. With the expertise which has been built up in handling heavy lifts, Killybegs harbour has signalled its ability to meet the ongoing needs of this industry.
St Patrick's weekend this year saw the arrival of the largest heavy lift vessel ever to use the port and she was later joined by a sister ship. They were carrying prefabricated boiler components for use in the €300 million, 400 megawatt combined cycle, gas turbine power plant currently under construction on the former Tynagh mines site in Galway. The entire operation went as planned, impressed those directly involved and served to showcase the harbour to a wider audience. In June shipping traffic will recommence in relation to the Corrib Gas project and we are confident that Killybegs will continue to be the port of choice for this project.
Killybegs has been described as the new Rio! While that may be slightly overstating our position, we are proud to announce that this year, 5 cruise vessels will visit the port. The potential for developing this business is significant - we are the only port in the country where the largest visiting cruise vessels can come alongside in a rural setting, with all the gems of Donegal county's unique culture and heritage waiting to be discovered.
Killybegs is unique - we have one of the finest deep-water ports in Europe and onshore we have a port community who are skilled, and committed to developing the port and its reputation.
Today the port has invited its customers and members of the Port community to an open evening at the Harbour offices. This event will highlight the new public face of the port. It is also a unique opportunity to see the facilities first hand and to meet with Harbour management. Over the last number of months, the Project team has been active in meeting with new customers, and communicating the message that we are open for business.
I believe that this Customer Evening will leave you, as guests in no doubt that we are ready and open for business and are clearly focused on our new horizons.
Ends