6th September 2005“Irish Fishing Organisations welcomes Ministers action on Fuel Prices”
The three main Irish Fishing Organisations, the Irish South & West Fishermens Organisation, the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation and the Irish Fish Producers Organisation, have today welcomed the statement from Minister Pat "the Cope" Gallagher on the impact of rising fuel prices on the fishing industry. The Minister will be meeting with the Organisations to discuss the issue before the Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels on Sept 19th.
Jason Whooley, of the IS&WFO, had this to say, "Following changes to EU rules proposed by Commissioner Borg, it is now possible to fund a short term tie-up of vessels while fuel costs are excessively high. This is our favoured short-term solution to the problem, as it would have the most immediate effect and the added benefit of conserving stocks and quotas. As everyone is aware, fuel prices have now almost doubled in a 12-month period. Our members are struggling to survive and a tie up would help resolve some of the short term difficulties."
Sean O Donoghue of the KFO expanded on this by saying, "While short term measures are critical to the survival of the industry, we also need to address the long-term problem. We will be asking Minister Gallagher for assistance on a number of long term measures. These include the funding of research into more fuel-efficient engines and fishing gear and also an examination of the viability of alternative fuels. Minister Gallagher understands very well the difficulties facing the industry and we are pleased that he recognises that spiralling fuel costs are causing major problems."
Lorcan O Cinneide of the IFPO added, "We had a productive meeting with the Fisheries Commissioner Mr. Joe Borg in Brussels on this issue on July 29th, so hopefully we can now make progress at a domestic level. Minister Gallagher is fully aware of the continued importance of the fishing industry to our coastal communities and by agreeing to meet us both before and after the Council he has demonstrated that he is serious about tackling this issue. This is a problem that cannot be put on the long finger, we urgently need results".
