Ireland's largest "home built" steel fishing boat in recent years was launched yesterday in Co Kerry by the Minister of State for Finance, Mr Hugh Coveney. The 60 foot vessel, which cost £350,000, was built for Bantry Bay Mussels by Valentia Marine Ltd, of Valentia, Co Kerry. It was designed by British naval architect Mr Denis Swire.
Mr Coveney said it was encouraging to see two Irish companies demonstrating such entrepreneurship and creating good long term employment in peripheral coastal regions.