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Pringle pushes for Government to provide financial support for inshore fishermen
- Updated: 29th November 2023
Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, has called on Government to provide immediate financial support for inshore fishermen.
Addressing Minister Charlie McConalogue in the Dáil today, Deputy Pringle said: “Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and a significant crash in the prices for crab, shellfish producers are currently left in an unprofitable position, with greatly reduced turnovers. Live markets are under severe pressure from the extra product that’s being funnelled into them to try and compensate for the problems with the cooked crab market.
“The inshore sector desperately needs financial assistance in order to sustain themselves throughout the winter period. Without financial assistance hundreds of families across Donegal and the west of Ireland are at risk of not being able to pay their bills or put food on the table this winter.
“The inshore sector provides vital employment in some of the most isolated parts of the country, where there are little or no other employment opportunities, particularly our island communities such as Arranmore and other areas such as the port in Inver, Clad na Gcaorach, Shalway and Loughros Point, to name but a few,” he said.
The deputy raised the issue during questions on policy or legislation.
Deputy Pringle asked: “Will your government provide immediate financial support for inshore fishermen?”
In his response, Minister McConalogue said he has engaged with the inshore fishery sector on the issue and is assessing the situation and aware of the challenges they face.
