Mason Welcomes Minister Muir’s Engagement On Fishing

DAERA Minister meets fishing reps and County Down MLAs over fishing future

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has welcomes engagement with DAERA Minister over the sustainability of the fisheries’ sector in South Down.

Following the meeting Mrs Mason said: “I was pleased to meet with the Minister alongside local fishing representatives from South Down last week to discuss the support and sustainability for the sector.  

“This was an important opportunity for the DAERA Minister to hear first hand the scale of the economic and financial problems being endured by the sector.

“Fishermen and boat owners and other marine and processing businesses are facing serious financial pressures due to transit visa issues, labour shortages, and capacity.

“They deserve to be fully supported, kept informed and reassured by the Department, so I welcome the Minister’s commitment to continued engagement and to delivering a long-term plan and investment into the fisheries sector in South Down.

“I will continue to work with the minister and all parties to ensure the department engages with local businesses in Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie to ensure these plans meet the needs of the sector.”