Several leading suppliers to the fishing industry are due to take part in Europe's largest annual fishing show in Glasgow early next month.
The Irish group will be among more than 300 exhibitors from 15 countries, ranging from Norway to the Netherlands to Spain. Enterprise Ireland is co-operating with five of the Irish firms for the fourth year in a row.
The companies include Barry Electronics, the highly successful marine electronics and electrical equipment manufacturer and supplier, and Gundrys, the netmaker. Both are based in Killybegs, Co Donegal.
Also participating are Fluid Controls Ireland Ltd, which specialises in hydraulic module design and construction; SF Engineering, a stainless steel conveyor manufacturer; and Sioen (Eireann), which designs and makes waterproof protective clothing for both the fishing industry and outdoor sports.
Swan Net, the Killybegs net manufacturer, Hi-Tech Refrigeration of Cavan and the Marine Times publication are taking stands independently. Swan Net has been a long-time exhibitor in Glasgow. Its export markets extend from both coasts of the United States and Alaska, to Iceland, Chile and the Netherlands.
Swan Net has recently appointed one of the top mackerel skipper, Mr Martin Howley (46) from Sligo, as its new managing director. Mr Howley takes over from Mr Seamus Hayden, who is retiring. During his 30 years in the industry, Mr Howley has pioneered the use of large mid-water trawls designed and manufactured by Swan Net.
One of the most innovative products on display will be a dual beam trawl sonar by Barry Electronic in Glasgow, designed and built to meet the specific requirements of the Irish and Scottish mackerel and herring supertrawler fleets.
Fluid Controls Ireland Ltd aims to unveil a three tonne cable winch, which it describes as "revolutionary". Sioen (Eireann) will display its latest product, a new protection suit for work wear made from Mara Tex, a coating fabric that protects against water, fish oils and lubricants.
Gundrys Ltd says it hopes for a repeat performance of last year's successful show, when it recorded orders worth £1 million (€1.27 million) for its net and gear, fish cages, chandlery and ancillary equipment.
The Glasgow show always attracts a healthy attendance from this side of the Irish Sea, and this year's visitor figures are expected to reflect renewed confidence in the industry here on foot of the Government's whitefish renewal scheme. Fish exports have risen substantially in recent years, with a 155 per cent increase between 1986 and 1996, from £94 million to £246 million.
The estimated total value of the home market stands at £130 million, with the industry employing some 15,280 people along the coastline. A further 2,000 are employed in ancillary industries, ranging from equipment supplies to transport and marketing.
