THE Ballina Industrial Development Association has set up a sub committee to push the plans for a deep sea port at Ross in Killala Bay. The association's chairman, Councillor Ernie Caffrey, said yesterday that the discovery by Enterprise Oil of natural resource off the Mayo coast increased the focus on the Ross development. "The Porcupine Bank is rich in natural assets and it is only a question of time before there is a major find off the west coast. We should be prepared for that."

Ross was chosen 25 years ago by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company for the building of rigs for North Sea oil exploration. The site was developed but the proposal fell through. European aid is now being sought for the port plan.