Fishing Industry in Jeopardy

Trawlers returning to Castletownbere Port in Protest of rising Fuel Prices

Fishermen around the Irish Coast, tied up their vessels today to highlight to the Minister of the Marine that he should take their plight seriously.  Here in Castletownbere, boats are tied up and Skippers from Dingle, Ballycotton, Union Hall turned up to discuss the situation further.  Over the last 18 months, fuel prices have risen 180% (25% in the last fortnight) and if something isn't done quickly, they will be put out of business.  This would be detrimental not just for the fishermen themselves, but for the many coastal communities who depend on this industry to survive.  The Minister of the Marine, Mr. Frank Fahy, who met with delegations from the fishing industry last week, said that he understood their plight and would take it to a Cabinet Meeting this coming Thursday.  It is now imperative that a solution to this very important issue be found and that Mr. Fahy knows fully the extinct of their dilemma.

Already, the Hauliers have highlighted their cause by creating a 'go-slow' all around the country last Friday.  However, they can offset their costs by passing it down to the customer.  The Fishing Industry cannot do the same.   90% of the fish landed are exported to markets in Europe, and because we depend on Haulage Transport, the industry will suffer even more.

It is already difficult to keep crews from leaving boats, due to long working hours at sea, but if the reward at the end of the day reduces further, then it could prove detrimental.  Last month, fishermen in France caused untold delays at Ferry Ports by blockading them - again because of the fuel costs, and the Government there met their demands.  Lets hope that there a successful outcome for the industry from Thursday's Cabinet meeting.

Fishermen from all over the south and west coast  meeting today in BIM Centre, Castletownbere, discussing their fears about the future of their livelyhoods.