June 4, 2021
Minister must step up following High Court ruling on fish-weighing system – Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD has called on Minister Charlie McConalogue to engage with his Department of Marine officials, the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) and the European Commission to ensure that a fish-weighing system can be established at Killybegs.

Teachta Mac Lochlainn was speaking after the High Court ruled against the SFPA for its failure to approve the conveyor belt fish-weighing system.

Teachta Mac Lochlainn said:

“Today’s ruling is a welcome decision and vindicates what fishers and their representative bodies have been saying for quite some time now that there is no legal basis to concerns raised by the SFPA through the European Commission about this fish weighing system.

“The truth is that this should never have had to go to court. It is a reflection of the state of the relationship between the SFPA and the fishing industry. 

“This ruling will only add to the widespread view amongst fishers and fish producers that the SFPA is an organisation that is not fit for purpose and in need of urgent reform.

“This outcome must also be a wake-up call for the Minister for the Marine Charlie McConalogue. 

“He must now urgently intervene in this issue and engage with his Department of Marine officials, the SFPA and the European Commission to ensure that a fish-weighing system can be established at Killybegs and across the state that is fair, reasonable and protects the freshness and quality of our seafood produce.

“He must also finally listen to our fishers and fish producers and ensure that the previous agreements on the weighing of fish in this state are reinstated.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

I am determined to build a brighter future for all our young people, where they have the support and opportunities to achieve whatever they set their minds to.

I was privileged to speak to a room full of kind and articulate young people who have been involved in mentoring and…

Kingsmill families are entitled to truth – @GerryKellyMLA http://vote.sinnfein.ie/kingsmill-families-are-entitled-to-truth-kelly/

Number of patients waiting on an appointment date grew by 7,000 in March - @davidcullinane

"Stephen Donnelly can publish as many plans as he wants, but without adequate funding to increase capacity they are just meaningless words on paper."

Sinn Féin welcome scrapping of disability Green Paper – @PaulineTullyTD and @Donnchadhol

"The government's Tory-like proposals were never a runner."

Load More