Major boost for fishing industry is welcomed

Major boost for fishing industry is welcomed

10 July 2013

A DECISION by Stormont Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill to make £500,000 available to help the beleaguered fishing industry has been welcomed by local politicians.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie and Chris Hazzard MLA say the hardship package is designed to help trawler skippers pay their harbour dues at the three Co. Down ports of Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie.

In addition to the cash injection, the Stormont department is to examine ways of assisting the fishing industry to access grants and maximise its potential as the main player in the agri-food economy.

Describing the fisheries minister’s announcement as “welcome, but long overdue,” Miss Ritchie said the cash has come too late for some families who have been forced to leave the fishing industry, with other trawler skippers concerned their vessels could be repossessed.

The South Down MP said she has been lobbying for additional financial support to be made available to the fishing industry for the past number of months.

She continued: “The fishing industry has come through a very difficult time due to a combination of bad weather and EU imposed changes to the nets trawlers can use which resulted in financial losses across the sector.

“It’s vital we listen to the needs and concerns of our main industries. The Co. Down fishing industry employs around 1,200 people, contributing around £100m per annum to the local economy. Everything possible must be done to secure and sustain the local fishing industry.”

Mr. Hazzard said there’s no doubt that fishing is an industry that has struggled recently due to high fuel costs, EU regulations and lower catches.  

“Many fishermen are finding it difficult to make ends meet so the Agriculture Minister’s announcement will be warmly welcomed by everyone in the industry. The scheme is worth an estimated £500,00 and Miss O’Neill is committed to looking at ways of assisting the issue of access to finance for the fishing and wider fish processing sector,” he explained.

Mr. Hazzard said the fisheries minister has proven she’s willing to listen to the problems facing the industry and has indicated she’s preparing further measures for the autumn in order to protect this sector.

He added: “I will continue to work with the fishing industry and the Minister to maximise the potential of this sector and secure its long-term future.”