Fishermen warn that protest could continue tomorrow

Fishermen who blockaded Cork Harbour this week have warned their protests could be reinstated tomorrow depending on the outcome of a meeting with Government ministers.

Almost 150 fishermen gathered for a meeting in the Metropole Hotel in Cork last night where they discussed their future plan of action.

They lifted the blockade of the harbour after a meeting between the Federation of Irish Fishermen and the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Brendan Smith was confirmed for tomorrow.

On Tuesday and Wednesday approximately 60 trawlers blocked the entrance to Cork Harbour, stopping container ships and tankers from entering or leaving the port.

A similar action took place in the Port of Waterford, but fishermen have stated that the lifting of the blockades was only a temporary measure and could be reinstated depending on the outcome of tomorrow’s meeting.

The fishermen are calling for action by the Government to ease the hardships facing the industry, including rising fuel prices, restricted fishing quotas and the importation of foreign fish.

Article courtesy of the Evening Echo newspaper.