Minister designates additional ports for landing of hake and monkfish

A NUMBER of additional ports have been designated by Minister of State Tony Killeen for the landing of hake and monkfish.

He said the designations followed a request from the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) and in consultation with the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA).

He said the designations will convenience fishermen in terms of operational efficiency while recognising the need to continue to address safety concerns.

Mr Killeen confirmed that Kilmore Quay is included in the list of designated ports for those vessels participating in the monkfish scheme.

This follows on from the recent designation of Kinsale and Schull for the landing of monkfish.

In addition, the ports of Kinsale, Kilmore Quay and Schull may be used for the landing of hake as soon as the necessary statutory instrument is made.

The minister also said that he was anxious to see the conclusion of a comprehensive review of the designated ports around the Irish coast.

The review will consider if amendments should be made to balance the interests of fishermen while maintaining an effective control regime that will continue to protect fish stocks.

He urged the FIF to engage actively and urgently with his department and the SFPA in this process.

Minister Killeen said he had instructed that the review be completed and final proposals submitted to him by October 31.

Depending on the outcome of the review, he said he would consider whether any other ports should be designated.

A vessel monitoring system, which is being installed by the SFPA, may provide more scope to extend the number of designated ports.

In advance of the completion of the review, however, Mr Killeen said no further designations would be made.