- The Killybegs Marine Cluster, together with the other eleven Regional Technology Cluster Fund (RTCF) clusters, met with DETE in Kildare Street in Dublin on the 14th February to discuss a comprehensive position paper which was submitted to DETE, to help shape the National Cluster Policy and outline the successful impact of the RTCF clusters since their inception. Enterprise Ireland’s National RTCF Clusters included:
The Education Outreach Managers (EOM) representing twelve funded RTCF clusters across the island of Ireland, together with their Principal Investigators (PI) met with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment’s newly formed National Cluster Unit (NCU) in Kildare Street. The agenda for this meeting was to discuss a co-created positioning paper, which highlighted the impact of ‘clustering’ in Ireland since the introduction of this National Clustering pilot programme in 2021. Discussions about the future investment in cluster in Ireland was discussed and the extension of funding for the RTCF clusters, with the National Cluster Unit. This positioning paper provided measurable impact of clustering will now support the National Clustering Policy in Ireland. The NCU mentioned that DETE are planning to introduce five clusters of National scale when the new cluster policy is introduced, and it is likely that one of the domains will include a focus on clean, green energy, offshore Renewable Energy.
- The Killybegs Marine Cluster attended the NMCI Seafarers Conference 2024, in Limerick on the 22nd February
The Killybegs Marine Cluster attended the third NMCI Seafarers Conference 2024,in Limerick. Minister Simon Coveney, acknowledged and reference Killybegs in his opening address both in terms of work of the Killybegs Marine Cluster and the marine engineering supply chain together with the world class port facilities that will support the emerging ORE industry. Other panel speakers included Rick Officer (Irish Marine Institute), Caroline Bocquel (CEO, BIM), Roni Hawe (Sea Fisheries & Ports, DAFM) and the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) Dr. Edel O’Connor. All these speakers reference Killybegs Marine Cluster and the activities with Killybegs ecosystem.
- The Killybegs Marine Cluster exhibited together with several other KMC members (MMG Ocean, KER Group, The Seamanship Centre and the ATU at the Irish Skipper Expo, in Limerick on the 23rd and 24th February
The Killybegs Marine Cluster, together with our colleagues from ATU and our members exhibited at the Irish Skipper Expo 2024. The Killybegs Marine Cluster had pre-arranged meetings with Minister Charlie McConalogue, DAFM and Caroline Bocquel from BIM. Matters discussed were Skills agenda within marine, enabling port infrastructure. Other meaningful meetings were held between ATU and the NMCI which centre around maritime educational collaborative opportunities. The Killybegs Marine Cluster also assisted in meaningful commercial discussions with several marine engineering companies.
- The Killybegs Marine Cluster were invited to attend the newly formed Blue Economy Working Group on the 27th February
Donegal County Council (DCC) recently formed a Blue Economy Working Group (Feb-24), which the Killybegs Marine Cluster were invited to attend and participate. Other stakeholders include, DAFM, BIM, ATU, Donegal ETB. This working group provides all stakeholders visibility on key activities happening across the blue economy with the key stakeholders.
- The Killybegs Marine Cluster hosted a visit from the Danish Ocean Cluster to Killybegs, on the 27th February until 01st March
The Killybegs Marine Cluster facilitated a visit from the Danish Ocean Cluster,Linn Indrestrand (Cluster Manager) which involved several meetings and visits to member companies, which included, MMG Ocean, KER Group, SeaQuest Systems, Ward Fish and Swan Net Gundry. Many of these company engagements centred around opportunities within aquaculture. One of the primary processors also explored the possibilities within value add for pelagic fish species, mackerel, exploring possibilities with the growing pet food market.
A collaboration between the Killybegs Marine Cluster and the Danish Ocean Cluster would create significant opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and market expansion within the blue economy. By leveraging Denmark’s expertise in maritime technology, sustainable fisheries, and ocean innovation, Killybegs can enhance its capabilities in areas such as vessel efficiency, aquaculture advancements, and circular economy solutions. This partnership could facilitate knowledge-sharing, joint research initiatives, and access to new markets, strengthening the competitiveness of both clusters. Additionally, collaboration on EU-funded projects could drive investment and accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge marine technologies, fostering long-term economic and environmental benefits.