Killybegs and its fishing industry were impacted greatly because of Brexit, according to Minister Charlie McConalogue.
He was speaking at last night’s well-attended Fianna Fáil parish meeting in the south Donegal port. It has been reported, however, that some attendees walked out of the event in protest at the government’s handling of the sector.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said the last three years have been particularly challenging for the town of Killybegs because of the impact of Brexit on fisheries.
“When you look at all the sectors of the economy in terms of how they emerged from Brexit, the sector that was impacted most was the fishing sector,” Minister McConalogue said.
“We have seen 15 percent of our quota reallocated to the UK as part of that final deal coming out of Brexit. When you look at our country, therefore, and Killybegs being at the centre of the fishing industry – the industry that has been most impacted – it really has taken the brunt.”
A section of the large attendance at last night’s meeting.
The Brexit effects, he added, has been a key focus of his since he was appointed minister.
“That Brexit Taskforce recommended 13 schemes that should be funded through the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund,” he continued.
“Since then, I have stepped forward and delivered and implemented all 13 schemes. Over the last couple of years, we have seen over €33 million invested from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund through the processing sector, to help mitigate the impact of quotas on the pelagic sector, or the tie-up schemes.”
In addition, he said Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre had seen a total investment of €32.5 million since 2020, adding that €3.5 million of the most recent allocation of €5 million will go to the Smooth Point Pier Extension. This project is due for completion later this year.
Since Brexit, Minister McConalogue said he has been doing ‘everything possible’ to help the fishing sector and improve quotas.
Tags:
