Blockade threat lifted as scallop fishermen included in €45m scheme

THE threat of further port blockades by scallop fishermen evaporated yesterday as the Government announced a €45m scheme to remove a quarter of the Irish whitefish fleet.

The decommissioning scheme, which has been expanded to include scallop fisherman for the first time, will run for three years and see 25% of Ireland's whitefish tonnage bought out by the Government, as recommended in a review of the industry by former IDA chief Padraig White.

Speaking at yesterday's announcement, Mr White said urgent action was required to ensure the future of the Irish fleet. "There is no point in play-acting. Do it right, do it properly," he said.

The measure, which is contingent on EU approval, was last night widely welcomed by industry representatives, including the Irish South and East Fishermen's Organisation (ISEFO), which last month blockaded Rosslare and Waterford ports to highlight their plight.

ISEFO chief executive Michael Walsh said there would be no more blockades.

"It's a figure we believe we can work with in the industry and have a sustainable fishery," he said.

The Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO) said the move was a "positive step".

IFPO chief executive Lorcan Ó Cinnéide said fishermen who had been under enormous pressure for up to a decade could now leave the profession without facing huge debts.

"Those who want to get out can get out with dignity, and those who are left in the whitefish sector and the shellfish sector have a chance of surviving and developing.

It's a wonderful start and I would urge that the Government just doesn't leave it at this."

Marine Minister Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher said the move would "result in better, more prosperous livelihoods for the majority of fishermen who will be staying in the industry with modern and safer boats".

Labour marine spokesman Tommy Broughan welcomed the funding but questioned whether it was "too little too late".