Seven Irish ports designated for NI fishing vessel landings
Designated landing ports for UK registered, Northern Ireland fishing vessels, has increased to seven, with the addition of Ros a Mhil, Howth, Greencastle, Rathmullen and Burtonport. These ports join Killybegs and Castletownbere for landings from vessels of any third-country origin.
Marine minister Charlie McConalogue has said he is “working to make sure the necessary notifications and requirements are in place to have these ports operational by Monday February 1 next.
Ros a Mhil and Howth will be able to accommodate landings of demersal fish from vessels under 24 metres and will operate Monday-Friday from 10am to 10pm.
From January 1, the UK became a ‘third country’ and is subject to illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) legislation and North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) requirements.
All UK (including Northern Ireland), registered vessels must now comply with third-country landing requirements when landing in the EU. This includes Ireland and is as a direct result of Brexit and included in the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.
Up to Christmas Eve when a future relationship was concluded between the UK and the EU, it was unclear whether Northern Ireland vessels that had access to Irish waters would continue to do so.
“This is an important decision which will allow fishers in small vessels to continue their livelihoods in a safe manner,” remarked Minister McConalogue.
“Following Brexit, it is important now more than ever to support our fishers and fishing communities and to do all we can to help them continue their livelihoods.”
Any UK Northern Ireland registered boats landing into any of the seven Irish ports will have to comply with additional documentary and procedural requirements than before Brexit.
Designation of ports is within the State’s authority but all requirements and protocols are subject to EU and international law and must be strictly adhered to to gain entry to ports, the marine department has stated.
Thanking the Sea-fisheries Protection Authority for organising the additional designated landing ports, Minister McConalogue said the outcome would be good news for fishers who were unable to operate under the Brexit deal.
