IRISH CALL FOR FUEL FISHING SUPPORT SCHEME

Irish call for fuel fishing support scheme. The Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation (IIMRO) is calling for urgent action for a fuel support scheme for fishing in Ireland.

In a statement on Facebook, IMRO, the representative organisation for marine resources on the offshore islands of Ireland, said:

“Irish island fishers fishing from small vessels off the West coast of Ireland are struggling with increasingly small margins from catches as fuel prices and other costs of going to sea soar.

“Ireland is one of the only coastal countries in Europe to refuse relief to the fishing industry in the face of rapidly increasing fuel costs, both diesel and petrol have doubled in price since last year.

“Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, has failed to respond to calls from the Irish fishing industry for a fuel rebate scheme to be put in place similar to that which exists in other coastal countries such as France, Spain, Sweden and Italy.

“The Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation (IIMRO) has warned that without a fuel support scheme, many fishermen will be forced out of business. This would not only have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of fishermen but would also have a detrimental effect on food security, the rural economy and the island and coastal communities that depend on the fishing industry.

“Many small-scale fishers cannot access tax rebates available to larger organisations and fuel such as petrol which is used in small vessel outboard engines is outside any relief currently available.

“IIMRO have made a number of representations to the government since the start of the fuel crisis warning that lack of a credible fuel support scheme for the fishing industry could lead to serious economic and social consequences for coastal communities, damaging Ireland’s food security in the process.

“IIMRO is calling on the Minister to urgently introduce a fuel support scheme for the fishing industry and to make sure that small-scale fishers are not left behind in the short term. The Government must also fast-track research and investment into fossil fuel alternatives with an emphasis on renewable energy infrastructure, cold chains and propulsion so that a smooth transition away from fossil fuel dependency can be made.

“The Government has committed to supporting communities during this current fuel crisis and needs to show that this commitment extends to all sectors including the fishing industry. IIMRO, which is disappointed by the lack of any support to date, is urging Minister Charlie McConalogue to act now to ensure that the fishing industry can weather the storm and emerge in a strong position to meet future challenges.”

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