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Cork fishermen say their industry is under attack

Thursday, 20 May 2021 12:28

Cork fishermen say they feel their industry is "under attack" and as a result are to hold a demonstration in the city next week.

They've organised a flotilla to begin at Roches Point next Wednesday morning and will make their way up the river to Horgans Quay.

The Port of Cork has been in talks with the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation and has agreed to facilitate the fishing vessels at the quays 

Once they arrive in the city they will walk with their families to the Taoiseach's office in Turners Cross to hand deliver a letter outlining the plight of their industry.

Patrick Murphy of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation says fishermen have seen 20% of their earnings wiped out and are slowly watching the shrinking of Ireland's fishing fleets.

Speaking to RedFM News Patrick Murphy says coastal communities are under severe strain and say their voices must be heard.

"This is about fishermen's ability to continue to earn their living in one of the most dangerous environments on the planet, which is our oceans and our seas.

"This is about generations of families who have passed down their skills and their knowledge from one generation to another,  and now are being told through no fault of their own and despite their best efforts and their achievements to recover many of the stocks in the waters are told 'there's no room for you any more, we have to give it to others, and you have to step off - goodbye and good luck."

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