Donegal TDs, Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and Deputy Pearse Doherty, have questioned how the Taoiseach’s approach to the situation at Killybegs harbour can be deemed to be in keeping with his ‘Shared Island’ brand.
Last month the SPFA suspended in-factory weigh permits for two Killybegs fish processors after a recent fish catch came via Foyle Port in Derry. The catch was landed at the Derry port by a Norwegian vessel whose Master sought to save the catch from SFPA’s weighing system that would render the fish unfit for human consumption. However, the SFPA declared that the catch must be weighed on landing pierside in the landing state before transportation to the Republic of Ireland.
Speaking today, Deputy Pearse Doherty said: “The Taoiseach promotes the ‘Shared Island’ brand, aiming to provide public money to break down the borders and barriers to trade on this island. How then can he stand over the situation in Killybegs?
“The SFPA (Sea Fisheries Protection Authority) have punished the fishing community there by removing in-factory weighing permits because landings happened to take place in Derry and, according to them, ‘outside of Ireland’?
“This obviously comes after a series of vessels have been turned away from Killybegs harbour over the last number of weeks which had already caused widespread outrage.
“We are calling on him to urgently intervene and ask the SFPA to rebuild their relationship with the fishing industry in Killybegs.
“He needs to find a workable solution to this weighing crisis that threatens the future of an already struggling industry.”
Deputy Mac Lochlainn added, “The Taoiseach’s ‘Shared Island’ efforts are hypocritical in light of the Killybegs situation.
“Does he regard Derry as outside of Ireland and is he going to allow the SFPA to put a hard border on this island?
“What is happening at Killybegs harbour is scandalous and is hugely damaging to the local community.
“The actions of the government may cause some fishing vessels never to return causing untold damage.”