Monica Barnes
Question:44 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for the Marine if he has considered increasing the number of official commercial fishing harbours from five as exists at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Commercial Fishing Harbours.
I am conscious of the fact that the pattern of fishing changes from time to time, and that this may change further as new opportunities are pursued around our coasts. While I have no immediate plans to change existing fishery harbour centre arrangements, I do intend to review the position as fishery harbour development progresses under the programme announced recently.
The objective of fishery harbour centres were to provide a network of strategically located fishery centres around the coast with the appropriate facilities.
In addition to the five centres there are almost 900 additional landing places which are controlled by the various local authorities. These provide a comprehensive network of harbours and landing facilities for the Irish Sea fishing fleet.