Minister commits to explore funding avenues for inshore fishing sector

The Marine Minister has given a commitment to explore all funding avenues and supports for the inshore fishing sector. It follows concern that the sector has received little financial assistance since Brexit. There was no tie up scheme or fuel supports provided to cope with the big increases in energy costs and now this is said to be further compounded by a collapse in crab and lobster prices as well as other shell fish species. The issue was raised in the Dail by Donegal Sinn Fein TD Padraig MacLochlainn who says fishermen urgently need help. While responding, Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton says Minister McConalogue is all too aware of the situation and while he is willing to see what can be done, there may be funding constraints: