Galway Regional Technical College has been designated a national training centre for aquaculture.
Farming fish instead of catching them at sea is relatively new to Ireland, but it has the potential to grow and is generally accepted that
It could become the basis for a multi-million pound industry.
Research into this sector has been taking place at UCG's (University College Galway’s) Shellfish Research Laboratory in Carna.
To take this work a stage further Beirtreach Teo was launched five years ago by the Department of the Gaeltacht. This subsidiary company focuses on commercial shellfish production and is financed by Gaeltarra Éireann, the state industrial development agency for the Gaeltacht.
Now students studying mariculture at Galway RTC will be awarded a national certificate by the NCEA (National Council for Educational Awards) and their training will enable them to
Take a leading role in the development of the industry.
All students currently attending the course are from Gaeltacht areas, and most of their training is provided through Irish.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 16 March 1979. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
