The Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation is seeking decisive, meaningful Government action following today’s protest.
KFO Chief Executive, Seán O’Donoghue addressed today’s protest at the Convention Centre in Dublin, where thousands of industry workers are seeking a renegotiation of the Common Fisheries Policy.
Killybegs was significantly impacted by Brexit TCA Agreement between EU and UK, O’Donoghue said.
“With a highly-developed mackerel fishery in the North West, we were particularly adversely impacted by the woeful Brexit outcome which came as a major slap in the face on Christmas Eve last in spite of all the time, effort and work which we had invested in making the strongest case possible,” he said.
“The Brexit TCA Agreement between EU and UK was both unfair and unjust and penalised Ireland’s fishing industry disproportionately compared to other Member States. There must be equal Burden Sharing with the concerned Member States.”
The fishing sector which is worth more than €1.1billion to the Irish economy and sustains more than 28,000 jobs, is in crisis as result of the Brexit outcome as well as new practices around fish weighing, among other issues.
O’Donoghue added: “The revoking of Ireland’s Fish Landing Control Plan by the EU Commission where all fish now must be weighted on landing is neither feasible nor practical and will destroy Ireland’s reputation in the production of Premium Quality Fish. This must be reversed with immediate effect and a revised national control plan covering all sectors submitted to the Commission.”
Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue is to meet with fisher representatives this afternoon following the protest.
He has also announced that he will visit ports and harbours and meet with fishers and coastal communities on a tour of Ireland over the coming months.
