However, contemporary analysis argues convincingly that Ireland is currently not fully capitalising on our ocean assets and that significant progress can be made to harness our ocean wealth which can become a key component of our economic recovery and for sustainable growth, generating benefits for our population. On a global level, the demand for fish products is expected to grow given forecasts of continued population expansion, enhanced purchasing power and an increased awareness of dietary considerations. These forecasts position the aquaculture sector as an increasingly important raw material supplier to processing industries not to mention the opportunities in the greater marine sector such as seaweed and energy.

Údarás na Gaeltachta is the regional state agency with statutory responsibility for the economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht regions of Ireland. An tÚdarás has always recognised the importance of the marine resource to the creation of sustainable employment opportunities and in the creation of local and regional economic development opportunities. The Gaeltacht coastline extends over some 2,500km from Donegal in the north to Ring in Co. Waterford. In spatial terms, it constitutes some 25% of the overall Irish coastline and includes the 6 offshore Gaeltacht islands.  The agency’s objectives include the development of indigenous enterprises and the attraction of investment including FDI. Currently over 13% of ÚnaG clients are employed in the aquaculture and seafood processing sectors within the Gaeltacht regions.

The marine industry and ancillary activities represents the main employer in the Cill Chiaráin Bay area and is a significant contributor to total industry output on a regional and national level. The development of the marine sector has the potential to provide significant direct socio-economic benefits for the region and to generate other stimuli to further integrate the development and growth of the local economy. Cill Chiaráin also offers the potential to develop a sustainable aquaculture cluster around the existing range of activities which are located there. These activities embrace most aspects of the industry’s supply chain from farm to market.