'Irish box' abolition 'would contradict conservation policies'

The Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation has said any move to abolish Ireland's 50-mile fishing exclusion zone would contradict the EU's conservation proposals.

Spain is currently seeking the abolition of the so-called "Irish box", saying it contravenes EU policy and free trade rules.

Sean O'Donoghue, a spokesman for the Killybegs fishermen, said: "We certainly can't accept that we'll be getting rid of the 'Irish box'.

"We don't accept it legally and we don't accept it from a conservation point of view.

"This has to stay in place and it actually has to be strengthened and not taken away."