There has been a broad welcome in the north west, and particularly in Donegal, for a decision by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine to reject a request from fishermen in the south of Ireland for all of an additional mackerel quota to go to them.
The Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation says the decision from Minister Michael Creed last night means an additional 10,589 tonnes of fish will now be allocated in accordance with existing arrangements.
KFO Chief Execuitve Sean O’Donoghue says all they had sought was that the existing percentage sharing arrangements be maintained.
Minister Joe McHugh says the first 90,000 tonnes of fish caught will continue to be split on an 87%-13% basis, with the 87% going to the Killybegs-based refrigerated seawater vessels sector.
Every tonne above 90,000 tonnes — if the quota ever goes above that — will be split on an 80%-20% basis with the southern sector.
Fianna Fail TD Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher says there was never any need for the review of the system that was in place.
