Fischler eases fears over access to Irish fishing waters

FEARS that Spanish pressure could force the EU to abandon the protective measures in the Irish Box fishing waters were firmly outlined to EU Fisheries Commissioner Franz Fischler in Dublin yesterday.

Mr Fischler, who had talks with Government ministers as well as fishing and farming interests, said he is not in favour of giving unrestricted access to foreign trawlers in the 50-mile exclusion zone.

Mr Fischler attempted to ease fears about the entry of foreign boats into the Irish Box but hinted some increase in access would be allowed.