20th July 2005

“Irish South and West Fishermens Organisation meet Minister Pat "the Cope" Gallagher in Castletownbere”

The IS&WFO welcomed the Minister for the Marine, Pat "the Cope" Gallagher, to Castletownbere today. The Board of Directors met with the Minister in our offices. The Organisation briefed the Minister on the main current issues for the industry in the South West. These included the broadening of the Decommissioning Scheme to include vessels of 15 metres in length and above and the replacement of criminal proceedings in certain fisheries offences with more appropriate measures. Other issues discussed included the serious impact high fuel prices were having on the industry, the destruction of fish stocks by illegal fishing gear.

Jason Whooley had this to say after the meeting, "We were pleased to get the opportunity to welcome Minister Gallagher and to outline our main issues to him. We had a very positive response on most of our concerns and we know that the Minister has an excellent level of understanding of the industry. We are hoping that he will consider some of our proposals and deliver results at a future date".