LONDON: A family-owned business in Kerry which is to create 120 jobs in a series of seafood bars across the country has been praised for its entrepreneurial spirit by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney today.
Quinlan’s Seafood already employs 74 staff at its fish processing plant in Renard, retail outlets in Cahersiveen and Killorglin and seafood bars in Killarney and Tralee.
Speaking at the opening of the company’s latest seafood bar on Princes Street in Cork, Mr Coveney said the company, founded by Michael Quinlan in 1963 and run today by his three sons, was an example of what an indigenous Irish company can achieve.
“Quinlan’s are a great example of an Irish company that has grown its business and has created much needed employment and with their seafood bars are now showcasing the best of Irish fish while adding maximum value to our marine harvest,” said Mr Coveney.
Quinlan’s Seafood managing director Liam Quinlan said the new seafood bar on Princes Street in Cork, which employs 24 people, is but the latest stage in an expansion which will see the firm open five more outlets across the country in the next 12 months.“We believe the Irish economy has recovered and that is why we are investing in the high street,” he said.
