The Northern Salmon Company has secured 50% funding from private investors, but says it will withdraw unless the Northern Ireland Executive can offer matching funding, says the Belfast Telegraph.

Some 250,000 organic salmon were destroyed when billions of tiny 'mauve stingers' descended on cages at Glenarm Bay and Red Bay off the Co Antrim coast.

The company had supplied some of London's top restaurants and the farm's fish was cooked for the Queen's 80th birthday by Irish chef Richard Corrigan.

The company has been in talks with the Executive over the possibility of a rescue package, but warned that time is running short as the season for restocking draws near.

Director John Russell said the Executive has been very helpful, but an answer is needed within the next two weeks.

Mr Russell said the case has to pass from DARD to DETI to DFP and then

secure ministerial approval for plans, before seeking European state aid approval.

Leading chef Richard Corrigan called for assistance at the time of the

disaster and Mr Russell says he has been inundated with queries from

customers keen to know when the salmon will be back on the market.

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