McCarthy says prawn quota cut is blow to fishing industry

Strangford Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy has said the reduction in the prawn quota will have a very serious impact on the local fishing industry but said Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew had done quite well in negotiating a bigger quota than expected.

Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “The news of severe cuts to the quota is a bitter blow to our fishing industry.

“This industry has a proud heritage and has been the mainstay of a number of towns in Northern Ireland, and I hope that people are not forced out of this work due to these cuts.

“Fishing is a dangerous trade and those involved put their lives on the line on a daily basis to put food on our tables. The least they deserve is a fair deal from Brussels and this certainly isn’t one.

“I would however like to praise the efforts of the Agriculture Minister and fishing industry representatives in these negotiations. I would like to see other Ministers engaging with Europe in such an effective manner to help bring new jobs here. Sometimes some politicians underestimate the importance of the EU and they need to be proactive instead of reactive on Europe.”

ENDS

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