Expansion of Marine Fabrication in Kilkeel

G. Smyth Boats Ltd currently operates from Kilkeel harbour, carrying out moulding hulls, fitouts/repairs of boats and complete builds.

Under Union Priority 4 of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the Fisheries Local Action Group approved funding to enable the company to diversify into the moulding of a 10m – 12m mould catamaran. This in turn will allow an increase in production and efficiencies.

The quality of life in the fishing dependent community of Kilkeel will be improved by creating new jobs and safeguarding the existing full time jobs. The new equipment will ensure the company has the capabilities to meet customer demands and enable them to enter new markets.

Pictured from Left to Right: Andrew Rooney, FLAG representative; Lisa McBride, FLAG Board member; Gerald Smyth, G Smyth Boats Ltd; Councillor Roisin Mulgrew, Chairperson of  Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Alderman Angus Carson SEA FLAG Chair; and Patrick Higgins, FLAG representative.