Fishermen call on State to intervene in dispute
Last year, the Port of Waterford sold its north wharf to a private developer. Fishermen from across the south-east land their catches there daily. And while the port says fishermen can use nearby Bellview Port for such work and have known about the sale for up to two years, large companies such as O’Flaherty Brothers say it’s not a viable alternative.
Seamus O’Flaherty of O’Flaherty Brothers says they don’t want to go back into court on the matter again but will have to seriously consider an injunction if the Government does not throw them a lifeline and the port proceeds with its plans to close the area to fishermen on January 31.
“We’d prefer to get an agreement that we’d be allowed to use the area, pending our Supreme Court appeal which should be heard in March.
“We have been told the new owner doesn’t plan to start work on this site for a year in any case.
“We employ 100 men and this stop and start situation is no way to run a business. The Government has been sitting on the sideline and watching this develop for the past two years. It’s time for either Martin Cullen or Pat The Cope Gallagher to get involved,” Mr O’Flaherty said.
Mr O’Flaherty said everyone realises that it is not the port’s role to provide fishermen with a landing point. It’s more of a government responsibility, he believes.
“The government must step in and provide us with a new stretch where we can land our catches,” he said.
A spokesman for the Port of Waterford said they have no comment to make on the matter at this point. A spokesman for Transport Minister Martin Cullen said he would do what he can to help the situation.
“The minister’s twin objectives are to support the port in whatever way possible as well as developing the North Quays area. The minister’s view is that achieving these twin objectives is doable with co-operation on both sides.”
