Featured photo; 14 yr old Muireann Kavanagh of Arranmore Island asks when she can fish pollock again. Photo: Joe Dunne
Over 200 people turned up to hear Midlands North West European election candidates’ views on fishing at a meeting in Killybegs last night.
The event was hosted by the Irish Fish Producers Organisation, the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation and the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association.
Ten candidates took part and attendees came from all segments of the industry – catching, processing and services sectors.
IFPO chief executive Aodh O Donnell described the meeting as a major milestone in putting fishing on the Irish political agenda.
Aodh O Donnell, IFPO CEO welcome address. Photo Joe Dunne
10 candidate panel
IFPEA chief executive, Brendan Byrne told the meeting that fishing was in crisis due to Government inaction and lack of fair distribution of EU quotas. He said Ireland’s interests needed to be better represented at European level.
The meeting took place at the Tara Hotel and was also used to launch the joint IFPO/KFO/IFPEA #Fight4Fishing pre-election campaign.
KFO chief executive, Dominic Rihan, said they were delighted with both the turnout and the contribution that the local fishing community made to the debate. He urged people to support the #Fight4Fishing campaign on social media and by asking canvassers questions about fishing on the doorsteps. You can find out more about the campaign and how to support it on https://ifpo.ie/fight4fishing/
Chair Greg Hughes of Highland Radio with Panel
Niall Blaney Fianna Fáil speaks from audience
Luke Ming Flanagan addresses audience
Fishing Hustings in Killybegs, Co. Donegal. Photo by Joe Dunne 22/05/24
CEO organisers of event Brendan Byrne IFPEA, Dominic Rihan KFO, Aodh O Donnell, IFPO
Chris Mac Manus, SF MEP arrives with Aodh O Donnell CEO IFPO and in background Dominic Rihan CEO KFO
Event organisers Connell Kennedy & Trish Hegarty of Inis Communications with 3 CEO hosts – Brendan Byrne IFPEA, Dominic Rihan KFO, Aodh O Donnell, IFPO
