Another fishing vessel has reportedly turned away from Killybegs harbour this week over an issue with landing rules.
A Norwegian fishing vessel was prevented from landing on Tuesday, sparking serious concern over the impact on local employment.
“54 workers were told there was no work for them in the processing factory and were sent home,” said Deputy Pearse Doherty.
The issue came to light on Friday, when a Danish vessel full of blue whiting was prevented from landing at Killybegs harbour due to the approach which has been taken by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority in regard to the weighing of fish.
Deputy Doherty said that vessels are going elsewhere due to the disruption at Killybegs Harbour.
He raised the issue with the Taoiseach and asked him to instruct Minister McConalogue to intervene.
“Today, Taoiseach, as we speak here, that same Norwegian vessel is pulling into the port of Derry which operates under the same EU rules as Killybegs.
“950 tonnes of fish will be off-loaded from that vessel and, later today, there will be 40 lorry loads travelling from Derry to Killybegs with those fish to be processed.
“Now Taoiseach, that is an example of stupidity and madness. It is a situation that is unacceptable.
“We understand that a third fishing vessel has decided to not even attempt to land at Killybegs and is now steaming back to Norway.
“There is huge damage being done to our fishing industry and huge damage being done to jobs. I’m asking you to instruct Minister McConalogue to intervene because there is a solution here that the high court has identified.”
