Fishing industry set for revival

After a few difficult years for the fishing industry, Martin Howley of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO) is predicting an upswing in fortunes in the near future as he outlines to Irish Trucker.

This truck is capable of lifting heavy vehicles

The decline of the once booming fishing industry in Killybegs over the past number of years has impacted on nearly every business in the Co. Donegal town.
While local fishermen has been hardest hit, subsidiary industries such as haulage have also had reason to bemoan the dramatic decrease in fish quotas. But there could yet be light at the end of the tunnel, according to Martin Howley, chairman of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, who is encouraged by a number of recent developments.
“The fishing industry has had a tough time of it in recent years, but the signs are we’re past the worst of it and things can only improve from here on,” he says.

“The industry will never be the way it was, but I’d foresee an improvement on the position we now find ourselves in. We’ve seen a slight increase in certain quotas in recent times and I believe the decision to include fisheries as part of Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan’s brief can only be beneficial.
“We’ve got little or no help from the Government in recent years, but I’m hoping that will all change now that Mary is looking after our affairs. Coming from Donegal, she fully understands of our situation.”
Martin admits that many fishermen have been left demoralised and disillusioned by the EU and national decisions which have put many out of business and threatened the livelihood of others.

Killybegs Harbour is one of the safest, most sheltered, deep-water harbours on the Irish coast

He explains: “The days when you had 200,000 tonnes passing through Killybegs Harbour every year are but a distant memory. The figure now is closer to 40,000. There has been a 60 per cent increase in quotas in the past five years and that has impacted on the haulage and service industries in the same way as it has on the fishermen.
“We feel very aggrieved with what has happened but, as I’ve said, we’re optimistic that there will be a revival on the cards and that we can get back on a firm footing.”

The Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO) is committed to developing and advancing any sea fisheries issues of relevance to its members. KFO members come from all major fishing ports along the North West and West coast of Ireland, including Killybegs, Greencastle (Co. Donegal) and Rossaveal (Co. Galway). Its headquarters are located at the impressive Bruach na Mara building on St. Catherine’s Road, Killybegs. Telephone 073-31089 or fax 073-31577.

Equipment stored at the Harbour Centre, which arrived by boat, and will be transported by road to its final destination

KFO offers a wide range or services to its members, including: representing and negotiating on behalf of members’ fishing interests at national and EU levels; advising members on fishing-related issues such as licences, capacity, accessing available grant aid, etc; acting as an information conduit on key fishing issues such as Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas; facilitating the setting up of group schemes for members benefit such as pensions, vessel and health insurance.

KFO also provides access to financial support mechanisms for major market price fluctuations as a result of its designation as a Producer Organisation, alerting members to key EU and national decisions that are being taken, supplying and sourcing additional opportunities that will benefit members, such as new fisheries opportunities or agreements, and helping to resolve fishing-related problems experienced by members or groups of members.

KFO membership is open to owners and part-owners of EU-registered commercial fishing vessels. Members are required to comply with organisation rules, which will include giving financial support through an annual levy.
Many KFO members use Killybegs Harbour Centre which is operated by the Department of the Marine. “The Harbour is like Dublin Airport in that you pay rates for the right to use the facility,” explains Martin, who has been involved with the Fishermen’s Organisation for the past 25 years.

A panaramic view of Killybegs Harbour Centre with the town of Killybegs in the background

Killybegs Harbour’s position at the tip of a deep fjord-like inlet makes it one of the safest, most sheltered, deep-water harbours on the Irish coasts. Records show that from the 17th century onwards, Killybegs grew into a prominent market and seaport town.
Despite the Irish fishing industry’s problems, Killybegs remains a major force in Europe’s marine seascape today, and has been long been acknowledged as Ireland’s leading fishing port. Building on this tradition and in response to the needs of the port community, the new Killybegs Harbour Centre was opened for business in May 2004. Plans were unveiled to develop the port as a general cargo facility operating in harmony with the already successful fishing harbour.

Some of the wind turbines at the Harbour Centre

Killybegs is also the centre of the fish processing industry in Ireland and recently An Bord Pleanala approved planning for the construction of a new EUR60 million fishmeal and fish oil manufacturing facility by United Fish Industries alongside the new Harbour Centre.
Killybegs Harbour Centre’s vision for the future is to maintain its position as Ireland’s premier fishing harbour and develop as a major commercial cargo port. It will achieve this status by working closely with all port users, meeting their needs and ensuring they receive superior value and an efficient service at all times.
The Harbour will provide a safe and secure port for business to prosper and will honour its community and environmental responsibilities in an open and transparent manner. The Harbour can cater for a range of cargoes, including fresh and frozen fish, dry and break bulk, manufactured goods, containers and fuel.

There are substantial hard stand areas of approximately 70,000m2, adjacent to the quayside, which can be used for the temporary storage of cargo. Storage can also be arranged in the Harbour’s two cargo sheds, while additional facilities are available within a short distance of the port.
Road access to the port is via the N56 from Donegal town. All additional support services are available within 1km of the port. Donegal Airport, at Carrickfinn, is only 74km from the port.
Killybegs Harbour Centre can also cater for large cruise vessels and acts as a gateway to the scenic North-West for many visitors.
For more information about KFO, check out its website on www.kfo.ie Information about Killybegs Harbour Centre is available on www.killybegsharbour.ie