Proposed:
That this Assembly recognises the need to safeguard and build on the success of Northern Ireland’s fishing industry; notes with concern the impact of rising input costs for many local fishermen; supports the delivery of adequate and ongoing practical and financial support to those affected; further notes the importance of ensuring the local fishing industry is in a position to take advantage of new fishing opportunities and contribute to green growth, including through investment in modernising its vessels and gear; urges the UK Government to ensure its policies, in respect of the allocation of fishing quotas and access to labour, reflect the particular needs of the fishing industry in Northern Ireland; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to reiterate his Department’s commitment to providing capital funding to redevelop Northern Ireland’s harbour infrastructure at Kilkeel, Ardglass and Portavogie.
Miss Michelle McIlveen
Mr Tom Buchanan
Mr William Irwin