The fishing industry has welcomed an increase in quotas secured by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Tony Killeen, however, they have stressed there is more work to be done.

There is a five percent increase in total quotas from €194 million in 2008 to €202 million in 2009.

Specifically for Greencastle, whitefish quotas are up four percent on 2008 levels, while pelagic quotas are up eight percent.

Minister Killeen stated: “I cannot emphasise enough the difficulty we faced on a number of fronts in regard to the Hague Preferences and I am both pleased and relieved that we have been successful in our efforts to defend an issue of critical importance for Irish fishermen.”

He continued: “I was particularly concerned that the new conservation measures did not put our smaller whitefish fleets out of business.

“It was vitally important that this deal was secured for the fishermen of North Donegal given the limited employment opportunities in this coastal area.” 

Senator Cecelia Keaveney praised the Minister’s efforts: “As ever, when you go to fight your corner you do not expect to gain everything but in this week there was a sense we could lose it all for the Greencastle whitefish fleet.

“The fact that the Minister, buoyed up by the strong support he had from within the industry and the political sphere here at home, fought a very important fight has had a positive result.”

Martin Farren of the Donegal Fisheries Board also welcomed the Minister’s accomplishment but insisted he must keep the pressure on.

“The Minister has to be congratulated on achieving this but more has to be done, with all due respect,” he said.

“I think there will be serious repercussions if this fight doesn’t continue.” 

He continued: “Greencastle used to be the largest whitefish port in the country and these areas have long depended on the fishing industry for their livelihood; it is important that more be done to safeguard it.”

Mr Farren said the Greencastle fishing industry would prosper if given the chance.

“Greencastle has an excellent management team with John O’Kane as manager and Conor McCourt as assistant manager.

“They know how to handle their fishing well. They are well trained and if given any incentive or opportunity will continue to deliver,” he said.

“There have already been big losses to this area as well as the recent knocks that have been coming so it is great to hear a bit of good news for a change. 

“That is why it is so important to keep this fight going.”