McCarthy calls for action in wake of fishing report

12.00.00am GMT Tue 13th Jan 2004

ALLIANCE Assembly member Kieran McCarthy has called for a steering group to take forward actions recommended by the Fishing Taskforce report into problems facing the industry on the east coast.

Mr McCarthy, who was an Ards Council representative on the Fishing Taskforce set up to map the future for the fishing industry in Portavogie, Ardglass and Kilkeel, said:

"This comprehensive evaluation is a welcome first step towards revitalising the fishing industry in coastline villages. This report gives everyone the opportunity to play their part - not only to save the industry, but to expand and enlarge it through other related activities.

"It has the potential to ensure that for generations to come, Portavogie, Ardglass and Kilkeel will benefit from the Taskforce Action Plan.

"The report states the problems faced by the industry clearly. Progress should now be made by a steering group of people from the fishing industry who understand the problems. If we are to see a sustainable, viable and profitable fishing sector develop in Northern Ireland, the challenges of this report must be taken up and resolved quickly, as fishermen continue to suffer hardship."