Fishermen get extra funding to help combat EU restrictions
The commitment for a grant to research alternative conservation measures was given by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, yesterday when he met representatives of the industry in Dublin.
The money will go towards a scientific study with a view to finding another way of preserving stocks rather than the controversial "days at sea" measure introduced last month.
The Taoiseach also told members of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation and the Irish Fish Producers' Organisation that the Government would do all in its power to fight unrestricted access to the Irish "box" by Spanish trawlers.
Both organisations said they were very pleased with the meeting and with the Taoiseach's commitment to the fishing industry.
Also at the talks were Marine Minister Dermot Ahern and the Minister for Social Welfare, Mary Coughlan, who indicated her willingness to provide a tailor-made welfare regime for fishermen.
Under the new Brussels' regulations, west and north-west trawlermen are banned from fishing for more than nine days a month, a measure described as "illogical" by Sean O'Donoghue, chief executive of the KFO.
Speaking after the meeting, he said: "We told the Taoiseach that the restriction was not only illogical but also anti-conservation and we want to put forward alternatives.
"We accept that there is a need for conservation, but this regulation makes no sense. We would prefer to see a modified recovery programme for cod on the model of the Irish Sea programme."
Introducing the restrictions last month, Marine Minister Dermot Ahern, made it clear he was not happy with the measure either. He maintains that 24 Donegal vessels will be affected but industry leaders believe the figure is higher.
Although the new rule is confined to the fishing fleet in the north west, it is feared that it could be extended nationwide.
"If this rule is extended it would be disastrous for the industry," Irish Fish Producers' Organisation chief executive Lorcan Ó Cinnéide said yesterday.
"We outlined to the Taoiseach the need for a short-term strategy to forestall its extension to other parts of the country."
The "days at sea" measure was introduced as part of stock recovery initiatives for cod, but relates to gear, rather than catch and, therefore, affects vessels which are not fishing for this species.
Last year's review of the EU common fisheries policy resulted in a sharp reduction of Ireland's catch quotas for white fish and cod stocks.
Dermot Ahern is due to meet Fisheries Commissioner Franz Fischler in Brussels next Wednesday to discuss the ongoing battle against access to Irish waters by Spanish boats.
He is also expected to raise the concerns of the Donegal fishermen with him.
"We are confident he will do a good job in putting forward our case," Mr Ó Cinnéide said.
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