Seabound Engineering flying the Donegal flag at national enterprise awards

A Greencastle-based shipbuilding company will take centre stage at one of the country’s most prestigious business competitions next week.

Seabound Engineering is a finalist in the 2025 National Enterprise Awards and will represent Donegal at the national final in Dublin’s Mansion House on Thursday 22 May.

Specialising in aluminium vessel construction, Seabound Engineering has carved out a reputation as the leading builder of aluminium boats in Ireland and Britain.

The company holds the distinction of being Ireland’s only SCMS-certified aluminium shipyard and focuses on custom-built solutions for the aquaculture, inshore and offshore fishing, and marine sectors.

The company earned its place at the national final by winning the Best-Established Enterprise Award at the Donegal Enterprise Awards in December 2024.
It now aims to follow in the footsteps of other successful east Inishowen businesses. Neil Crossan of Living Green in Quigley's Point claimed the national prize in 2024, while Patrick McLaughlin of Silver Strand Rope Works in Moville took the honours in 2023.

“We’re incredibly proud to represent Donegal at the National Enterprise Awards. It’s a real honour and a reflection of the hard work and innovation that drives everything we do at Seabound Engineering. We are passionate about pushing boundaries and showing what’s possible from the northwest,” the company said.

Now in their 25th year, the National Enterprise Awards are hosted annually by the Local Enterprise Offices and showcase the very best of Ireland’s small businesses.

This year’s competition features a diverse list of innovative finalists. These include TAPiTAG from Westmeath, creators of NFC-powered digital tools used in over 75 countries; Spellings for Me from Tipperary, an AI-powered spelling programme for schools and homes; and a range of food startups such as Naked Bakes (South Dublin), SOS Cookies (Limerick), and WONDR Jellies (Mayo), the world’s first high-protein, low-sugar jelly brand.

“Seabound Engineering’s selection for the National Enterprise Awards highlights the strength of entrepreneurship in Inishowen,” Brenda Hegarty, head of enterprise at Donegal County Council said. “This marks the third year in a row that a business from the peninsula has represented Donegal at the national level, demonstrating the depth of talent and innovation in the region. The National Enterprise Awards celebrate the best of small business across Ireland, and Seabound Engineering joins a proud tradition of Donegal finalists.”

With a prize fund of €50,000 up for grabs, winners will be selected across several categories including best start-up, best export business, innovation, sustainability, and one-to-watch. The competition also includes an outstanding achievement award for businesses that have expanded internationally with support from Enterprise Ireland.

As anticipation builds ahead of next week’s awards, all eyes in Donegal will be on Seabound Engineering as it prepares to showcase the strength of local enterprise on the national stage.