Collapse of EU fisheries fund talks raises fears

THE collapse of negotiations yesterday on a €3.8 billion EU support fund will put further pressure on the already-struggling fishing industry.

Ireland’s €37 million share of the fund will be held up for at least three months after member states failed to agree the details of how the money should be spent.

Industry representatives said the survival of many fishermen was on the line because of huge increases in fuel costs and the closure of fisheries.