FUEL PRICES

Spiralling fuel prices will force many fishing vessels out of business in the next few weeks according to the Irish South & West Fishermen’s Organisation.  Fuel Prices have increased 180% in the last eighteen months and there has been a 25% increase in the last two weeks alone.

 In a first attempt to highlight their situation fishermen around the coast will tie-up their boats on Tuesday next.  According to Jason Whooley, Manager of the Irish South & West Fishermen’s Organisation  “this tie-up is designed to highlight the gravity of the situation.  People will go out of business if something isn’t done.  French fishermen have already got concessions and we now need some help.”  Large numbers of fishermen from the south west are expected to converge on Castletownbere on Tuesday.  Similar protests will also take place in Killybegs.  It is expected that Minister Fahey will raise this situation at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

 “This crisis is costing the Industry £15m.  The transport sector can pass their extra costs on to their customers but that means a double burden for the Fishing Sector as the vast majority of our fish is exported.  We can’t pass our costs on to anyone and we can’t absorb 180% increases in fuel. Tuesday’s tie-up will be all too common a sight if we don’t get Government action” Jason Whooley added.

 In areas such as Union Hall, Castletownbere and Baltimore fshing is a huge source of employment.  If fishing dies then fishing dependent communities will die with it.  There will be no replacement industries in these peripheral regions.  Government action this week is essential to ensure survival of these areas.

  September, 2000