Smith to raise fish fuel cost at EU

THE impact of soaring fuel costs on Ireland’s fishing industry is to be vigorously pursued by the Government at EU level.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Brendan Smith gave the pledge after the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) called for a credible and early response from the Government.

Protesters claimed in Dublin last week that the industry was facing “wipe-out” as a 40% hike in fuel costs coinciding with a 25% decrease in catch prices is making running trawlers unviable.