The shellfish sector had a quiet year but development plans for existing and new operations are expected to result in a considerable increase in output and employment by 2001. This will bring valuable income enhancement to some of the most peripheral Gaeltacht communities. The projected expansions are based on enquiries for grant assistance, now that the licensing issues relating to procedures and delays have been resolved. Taighde Mara Teo, continues to lead the development of new species and to provide support and advice to new projects and promoters in all Gaeltacht regions. As a result of its inputs, new projects in eel, abalone and seaweed were developed during 1999.
Companies processing the products of the aquaculture industry continue to make progress.