£25 million boost for fishing industry welcome but Executive must do more

11.44.00am GMT Wed 5th Dec 2007

Strabgford Alliance MLAKieran Mccarthy

Strangford Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy has welcomed news that the Northern Ireland fishing industry is to gain a £25 million boost, but said more still needs to be done by the Executive to assist this sector. The announcement is to be made by Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew today as she visits local fishing ports.

Kieran McCarthy MLA said: "This is a welcome development for our local fishing industry.

"The industry must however been given more support by our Executive. This is one of the toughest professions and it can be very hard to make a living in it. Those who work in this sector put their lives on the line on a daily basis. They deserve the assistance that befits their efforts.

"The pressure will be on Michelle Gildernew when she goes to Brussels this month to take part in the important fishing council negotiations. We all hope she can land a strong catch for Northern Ireland.

"There has been massive strain placed on our fishing industry in recent years. Lets hope that devolution can help this industry, upon which many of our coastal towns depend."

ENDS