Service workers of fishing industry must be supported in future plans – Boyle

Service industries that support the fishing industry must be included in any supports to the sector, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Manus Boyle, Fine Gael’s Seanad spokesperson for the fisheries, said representatives from across the fishing industry are calling for immediate action to support the struggling industry.

“Across our coastal towns and villages, there’s real concern about the future of fishing in Ireland.

“There are 7,996 people employed directly in the fishing sector and 8,878 working in vital ancillary and supporting roles. These roles are essential for keeping the sector functioning in coastal communities.

“The decisions made in December from the EU AgriFish Council which will severely reduce fishing opportunities in Ireland was extremely disappointing for our fishing communities.

“The Minister for Fisheries has said he is committed to working with the sector to find a financial framework, with a working group due to be established this month. We need to ensure any framework includes support for the processing and service sectors.

“In Killybegs, and other coastal towns, fishing companies and processing factories are facing a crisis and are being forced to consider their future.

“We need a broad and inclusive approach to support the industry. Service companies provide essential mechanical support, net making and repairs, refrigeration, and many other specialist services, and without this support the fishing industry cannot function.

“For many fishing communities, these services also provide skilled jobs and have been a cornerstone of the local economy for decades.

“Many businesses are already having to make serious changes, by reducing staff or no longer taking on apprentices. We must act now; the loss of skilled personnel will severely limit the sector’s ability to rebuild and grow.

“The EU and the Government here must take immediate action to support the industry, or we risk a further decline in the sector. Targeted financial support for services must be included in any framework for the fishing sector, so these services survive, jobs are protected, and fishing communities can rebuild.

“We cannot allow these businesses to fail, our fishing sector is dependent on them. We need to see real, urgent action to support the entire fishing sector,” concluded Senator Boyle.