Minister visits Ardglass to hear fisheries concern

Minister visits Ardglass to hear fisheries concern

3 April 2024

STORMONT Minister Andrew Muir visited Ardglass last week to meet with fishermen and local politicians.

During the visit, the fisheries minister was told about the pressing need for ambitious capital investment plans for the harbour to ensure its long-term viability.

The fishermen also told him of the challenges facing the industry, such as labour shortages in the aftermath of Brexit.

Mr Muir, who also visited Kilkeel last week, said: “Both Ardglass and Kilkeel harbours play an integral role in supporting our local fishing industry, the economy, our rural coastal communities and securing food on our tables,” Mr Muir said.

“Our fishing industry has faced several challenges in recent years, and I appreciate the opportunity to hear first-hand the impact of these challenges on our fishing and seafood sectors.”

He added: “I recognise the importance of providing support to the fishing industry to allow the sector to deliver change.

“I look forward to engaging and working in partnership with our local fishing and seafood industry to explore options for fleet modernisation, sustainability and achieving net zero targets.”

A number of politicians welcomed Mr Muir’s engagement with local fishermen about their ongoing concerns.

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason said: “It is welcome that following a constructive meeting with the minister he is exploring funding opportunities to future proof Ardglass Harbour.

“I raised the need for a long-term plan for sustainable employment for the aquaculture and fishing industries with the minister.

“Sustainable employment will aid in keeping costs down so that consumers can continue to enjoy high quality produce at the lowest possible cost.”

Alliance MLA Patrick Brown, who invited the minister to Ardglass and Kilkeel, said he was delighted to see him engage with local people.

“It was crucial for the stakeholders to underscore the necessity for investment and address the industry’s challenges,” Mr Brown said.

“I am pleased that the minister has been actively collaborating with his counterparts in the British government to address visa-related issues, potentially including the introduction of seasonal working visas for impacted industries such as fishing.”

Mr Brown added that he was pleased that plans for a feasibility study and environmental impact assessment for harbour development were moving forward.

Sinn Féin councillor Oonagh Hanlon said Ardglass harbour was “a fantastic asset to the local economy”, while former SDLP councillor Dermot Curran told the minister it was essential that the harbour is deepened to allow all fishing boats to unload their catches.

“This is essential for the survival of the fishing industry in Ardglass,” Mr Curran added.