Killybegs fisherman sent forward for trial on 20 alleged breaches of legislation

A man has been sent forward for trial at Donegal Circuit Court for 20 alleged breaches of fishing legislation.

Michael Munnelly of Riverdale Heights, Killybegs appeared before Donegal District Court on Monday, September 22. 

Garda Claire Ramsey gave evidence of serving the defendant with two books of evidence.

The first related to eight alleged offences, that being Master of Irish sea fishing boat Shazleah (bearing port registration number SO672) he did, other than pursuant to an authorisation required under Section 13 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, cause the landing of herring, a specified stock, from the aforementioned sea-fishing boat, taken from a specified area. The offences are alleged to have occurred in January and February 2024, and are contrary to Section 13(16) of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. 

The second book of evidence related to 12 alleged offences that within the exclusive fishery limits of the state, being the master of the Irish sea fishing boat Shazleah SO672, he did fish without a valid authorisation contrary to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 and contrary to Section 13 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. These offences are alleged to have been committed on dates in November and December 2021, and January 2022. 

State solicitor for Donegal, Kieran Dillon told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) consented to the defendant being sent forward for trial to the next sitting of Donegal Circuit Court sitting in Letterkenny and commencing on December 9.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham sent the defendant forward on a nominal bail bond of €200.