Written answers

Thursday, 10 March 2005

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Fishing Industry Development

4:00 pm

Photo of Emmet StaggEmmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by business interests in Donegal about the future of the Killybegs fishing industry amid fears that up to 1,000 jobs could be lost; the steps he is taking to ensure the future of the fishing industry in the area in view of its importance to the economy in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8220/05]

Photo of Pat GallagherPat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the concerns expressed by business interests in Donegal about the future of the fishing industry there. Indeed, as the Deputy will be aware, the fishing industry in Europe and elsewhere is experiencing difficulties at the present time. I believe that the primary challenge facing the fishing industry at the present time concerns the need for effective conservation measures to provide for the sustainable exploitation of fish stocks into the future.

The industry in the north west is significantly based on pelagic stocks. In this regard I secured a substantial increase in the quota for blue whiting at the Fisheries Council in December 2004. At my request Bord Iascaigh Mhara will work closely with the industry to develop a significant human consumption market for vessels landing blue whiting into Irish ports in order to maximise the benefits of this fishery.

I continue to work closely with the industry to address concerns expressed by its representatives arising from the introduction in 2004 of new EU procedures for the weighing of pelagic fish. These EU measures, which strengthen control in pelagic fisheries, were introduced in 2004 as a consequence of concerns about illegal landings right across Europe. Proposals designed to provide for the weighing of fish after transport from the port of landing while ensuring full control and accountability are currently being evaluated. These proposals have been brought forward as a result of a joint Council and Commission declaration which I secured at last December's Fisheries Council.

With regard to demersal species, I wish to draw attention to initiatives such as the closure of codling fishing grounds off the Greencastle coast in County Donegal, which was introduced in 2003. A long-term recovery plan for cod was also introduced in 2004, which will help to rebuild this stock. I am confident that these two measures will also contribute to the recovery of other whitefish stocks under pressure in this area.

County Donegal, and in particular the Killybegs area, has been to the forefront of the Irish fishing industry and notwithstanding recent difficulties, I am confident it will maintain this pre-eminent position in the future and remain an economic linchpin of the area.

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