Killybegs meeting tells European hopefuls the fishing industry is 'in crisis'

The Midlands North West European election candidates were told that the fishing industry is “in crisis” at a meeting in Killybegs on Wednesday.

Over 200 people turned up to hear Midlands North West European election candidates’ views on fishing. The event was hosted by the Irish Fish Producers Organisation, the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation and the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association.

The 10 Midlands North West European election candidates in Killybegs on Wednesday

IFPO chief executive Aodh O'Donnell said: “Ten candidates took part and attendees came from all segments of the industry – the catching, processing and services sectors. He described the meeting as a major milestone in putting fishing on the Irish political agenda.”

IFPEA chief executive, Brendan Byrne told the meeting that: “Fishing was in crisis due to Government inaction and lack of fair distribution of EU quotas. He said Ireland’s interests needed to be better represented at European level.”

The meeting took place at the Tara Hotel and was also used to launch the joint IFPO/KFO/IFPEA #Fight4Fishing pre-election campaign.

Fourteen-year-old Muireann Kavanagh of Arranmore Island asked when she can fish pollock again

KFO chief executive, Dominic Rihan, said they were “delighted with both the turnout and the contribution that the local fishing community made to the debate.”

He urged people to support the #Fight4Fishing campaign on social media and by asking canvassers questions about fishing on the doorsteps. You can find out more about the campaign and how to support it online.

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