No-deal Brexit aid package for fisheries receives lukewarm response

As fishing representatives warn of “flash points” across Europe with scenes reminiscent of the cod wars of the ’40s, ’50’ and 70s if a no-deal Brexit prevails, the €14m fisheries aid package announced in Budget 2020 has brought little comfort.

While any funding directed into fisheries is welcome,”this is a horse of a different colour,” remarked Seán O’Donoghue, chief executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation.

He described the fund as a “glorified redundancy payment” for fishermen who have put “their hearts and souls into developing businesses in the most hazardous and challenging work environment on earth”.

The aid, he added, would only be available for a very limited time, “thereby ignoring the long-term, grim, commercial ramifications on our industry” if Britain leaves without a deal.

State aid rule would also require amending in order for the package to be drawn down, he stressed.

“We implore an orderly transition on November 1 in the event that a deal cannot be agreement between Britain and the EU.”