European Commission proposals to cut the size of Community fishing fleets are expected to be resisted by Ireland once again in Brussels today, following last month's deferral of a decision on the issue.
The proposals could have a serious impact on the Government's £70 million whitefish renewal scheme, which is aimed at bridging the gap in competitiveness between the Irish and other EU fleets.
The Commission is seeking a 130 per cent tonnage replacement requirement as a precondition for grant-aiding new and modern secondhand vessels. The Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation said at the weekend such a condition should be strongly resisted by the Minister, adding it was confident that Dr Woods was fully aware of the seriousness of the proposal.
"In the new year, the whitefish fleet will benefit from the introduction of state-of-the-art steel vessels, which will help replace some of the existing wooden trawlers," the IS&WFO said. "However, this organisation believes that continuous replacement is essential, both from an efficiency and safety perspective." An IS&WFO delegation will travel to Brussels to meet the Minister before the negotiations.
In Luxembourg tomorrow, the first step is due to be taken in a legal challenge aimed at overturning the EU ban on drift-netting for tuna. The action is being taken by French fishermen, with full support pledged by Irish fishermen, and the governments of both states.
The challenge is opposed by Spain. The drift-net tuna fishery, which is due to be banned in two years' time, is worth about £6 million annually to the south-west economy here.
