The rise in fuel prices, which has sparked off renewed protests in France this week, is a major worry to the Irish fishing fleet, according to the new chief executive of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation.
The increase has "huge implications" for vessels right around the coast, Mr Sean O'Donoghue, who succeeds Mr Joey Murrin, told the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Fahey, at the weekend. Both were in Killybegs, Co Donegal, for the blessing of the £50 million supertrawler, Atlantic Dawn, owned by Mr Kevin McHugh.
An increase in fuel costs was raised with the Minister last month in the south-west during the tuna fishing row, but Mr Fahey made it clear he could not entertain any special treatment for the industry.
However, Mr Jason Whooley, of the Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation, said yesterday the situation was crippling the industry, and warned of "severe consequences" if it continued.
"Skippers paying 14p a litre in March of last year are now paying 30p a litre, which is more than double the cost. Some vessels have to take on 40,000 litres a fill, which puts it into context. Crewmen are out of pocket by up to £200 a week, as fuel costs are deducted from their share," Mr Whooley said. "It is a very worrying situation and we are keeping a close eye on what is happening in France."
In Killybegs, Mr an O'Donoghue has also called for the introduction of a marine version of the agricultural Rural Environmental Protection Scheme to protect stocks under pressure. A stock recovery programme for mackerel and herring in the north-west is urgently required, he said at a press conference to announce his appointment.
Mr Murrin's successor comes to the KFO with considerable expertise as a civil servant who has served with both the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources and Bord Iascaigh Mhara. He is regarded as a senior tactician at fisheries talks in Brussels, and has worked closely with several ministers.
He was one of the main architects of the Government's £70 million whitefish fleet renewal programme, initiated two years ago, and has been with BIM since 1997 as fisheries development manager. Mr O'Donoghue, a married man with three children, is a native of Kerry and a civil engineering graduate from University College, Cork.
