Government refuses to issue fishing licences

THE government is standing firm on a decision not to issue licences to new fishing boats pending an EU review on fleet management.

As a new, €6 million, unlicensed vessel remains strapped to the pier in Castletownbere, Co Cork, the industry yesterday demanded intervention by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Tánaiste Mary Harney in the crux.

However, Marine Minister Dermot Ahern said sweeping new EU proposals on fisheries management means Ireland will have to “review and amend significantly” its national fleet policy, including a possible fleet cut.