Sinn Féin spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD has again called on the Minister for the Marine Charlie McConalogue and the government to urgently intervene to stop the collapse of the inshore fishing industry in Ireland.

The Donegal based TD is reiterating the extreme seriousness of the crisis being faced by the inshore fishing sector and the complete lack of action by the government to put in place supporting measures.

Speaking today, Teachta Mac Lochlainn said;

“The Irish inshore fishing industry has been highlighting the pressures over recent months and pleading for support.

“I have facilitated their representatives coming before the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to set out the issues and to present to all TDs and Senators in Leinster House. I have raised their plight time and time again. I have recently corresponded with the Committee to ask for the Minister and his Department officials to come before it to discuss this crisis.

“On a recent visit I made to Kilmore Quay in Co. Wexford, inshore fishermen laid out starkly how bad a situation they are facing. Fishermen all along the west coast are corresponding with me daily outlining the impact that closure of fisheries and most recently the pollack fishery is having on their livelihoods.

“Prices for many species of shellfish are collapsing and in some cases are not being purchased at all in export markets.

“We in Sinn Féin have called for the introduction of continuity grants and fuel supporting measures among other initiatives to provide direct financial supports. These calls have not been listened to or not been wanted to be listened to by Minister Charlie Mc Conalogue and his Department.

“If this approach continues, the Irish inshore fishing industry will collapse. Urgent direct supports have to be provided and the government’s inaction must end.”