£400,000 lifeline for gale-lashed fishermen

£400,000 lifeline for gale-lashed fishermen

26 February 2014

A £400,000 package has been announced in a bid to stop a repeat of scenes in Ardglass this week where fishermen had to queue up for food vouchers and heating coupons.

Over 150 families received aid from the Fishermen’s Mission in just a few days as bad weather continues to keep trawlers tied up at the local port.

The £400,000 was announced by Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill, late last night after crisis talks were held with fishing representatives. The money will be used to help fishermen in the province’s three major ports — Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie.

Ms. O’Neill said she would be seeking the support of her colleagues on the Stormont Executive to bring forward the package.

“We are looking at some sort of package in the short term which will help them alleviate some of the immediate difficulties that they have,” she said.

“We are also going to look at a task force to take a root and branch look at the industry and how we can help the industry to grow and be sustainable in the time ahead.”

Ardglass man, Martin Rice, was one of the fishermen who met the Minister and he described the meeting as “very productive”.

“There were a few points raised, both for the short and long term, and the Executive need to help the minister because there are things that need to be rushed through with all-party support,” he said.

Earlier this week Mr. Rice warned that fishermen and their families were at breaking point.

He said it’s estimated that over £20,000 has been paid to fishermen in their families at the three Co. Down ports since last weekend, with around 150 families in Ardglass receiving support.

“People are queuing for food and oil heating vouchers to feed their families and keep them warm. It’s incredible something like this is happening in the 21st century. People feel embarrassed but they have no other choice,” said Mr. Rice. “Things are really bad.

“People queued in Ardglass last Friday, Saturday and again yesterday for vouchers. Our industry has reached an all time low with fishermen depending on handouts. Where is this going to end?”

Mr. Rice said the weather this year has been particularly bad.

“The seas haven’t had a chance to settle. On calm days between the storms, the boats have gone out and had very little catch so all you’re doing is running up expenses and diesel bills. You end up with nothing to give your crew at the end of the week.”

The trawler skipper said fishermen want a yearly single payment, similar to what farmers get from the EU. He said such a payment will help alleviate financial pressure over the winter, especially as prawn fishing has become more seasonal between April and October.

Mr. Rice added: “Boat owners and crew members are not making any money. People are getting behind with their mortgage payments and there are real fears that some people could lose their homes. This is an all-time low for the industry.”

Mr. David Boyd, of the Rockabill fish exporting company which has a base in Ardglass, said he knows of no other industry “laden with such bureaucracy.” He said fishermen are demanding parity of esteem with farmers.