O'Keeffe calls for change in fishermen's fees

Fine Gael's Jim O'Keeffe has urged the Government to revise fees for fishermen as he claimed some fishermen faced a 600% fee rise.

Fishermen in five ports will face massive hikes in charges this June, according to Deputy O’Keeffe.

"The enormous increases in charges will be imposed at Fishery Harbour Centres, with charges rising by as much as 600% in some cases. These additional stealth charges are entirely unacceptable," he said.

The charges will be levied on fishing boats using port facilities at Castletownbere, Killybegs, Rossaveel, Dunmore East and Howth.

“The new order comes into operation on July 1.

"Dermot Ahern must prevent this outrageous imposition on fishermen, many of whom are struggling to make a living in a dangerous profession," added Deputy O'Keeffe.