The harbourmaster at Killybegs, Co Donegal, was suspended indefinitely from duty yesterday by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
Capt Patrick Kelly, who has held the post since 1996, was suspended by three officials from the Department following a surprise visit to the Donegal port yesterday.
Last night the Department repeatedly insisted that the suspension had nothing to do with allegations last week that Killybegs fishermen had repeatedly breached EU fish quota laws.
Mr Sean O'Donoghue of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation expressed surprise that the Department's action had taken place so quickly.
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"He would be regarded as a very tough harbourmaster, but he got things done," he said of Capt Kelly.
