Donegal fishing vessel Master faces Circuit Court trial over herring landings

A Donegal man charged with alleged breaches of sea fisheries legislation has been sent forward for trial to the Circuit Court. 

Patrick McLoone is accused of landing herring that were caught in a restricted sea area. 

McLoone was charged with a similar offence for six separate dates in January 2024 and appeared at Glenties District Court.

McLoone was charged that, being the Master of an Irish sea fishing vessel, Conquest, did cause landing of herring, a specified stock from the aforementioned boat, taken from a specific area, contrary to section 13 (16) of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006.

Mr Kieran Dillon, State Solicitor for Donegal, told the Court that a signed plea option was available from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), but McLoone was not prepared to plead guilty.

Mr Dillon said the DPP directed that the matter should now proceed to the Circuit Court for trial. Mr Dillon said the DPP consented to McLoone being sent forward to the next sitting of Donegal Circuit Court, commencing in June 2026.

Garda Noel Gavaghan gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on McLoone. 

McLoone was represented by solicitor Mr Robert Ryan.

Noting the service of the book of evidence and the DPP directions, Judge Emile Daly returned McLoone for trial to Donegal Circuit Court. The alibi warning was administered and a section 56 order, in respect of interviews, was made.

Bail was granted on the same terms and legal aid was granted for a solicitor and one legal counsel.