Greencastle and Rathmullan to be opened to ‘third country’ landings

He confirmed yesterday the port will be designated for so-called ‘third country landings’ from February 1.

At present Irish fishermen with licences in the Six Counties are being prevented from landing fish at any harbours in the south other than Killybegs and Castletownbere.

This has prompted criticism from frustrated fishermen and political representatives.

Sinn Féin T.D. Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said it is ‘appalling’ fishermen are being prevented from landing catch at Greencastle.

“Irish fishermen with a licence in the North of Ireland are being prevented from landing their fish in harbours and piers across the State, with the exception of Killybegs and Castletownbere.

“In counties such as Donegal, this means that the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority is literally at harbours preventing Irish fishermen from landing into those harbours. Worse than that, it is going to co-operatives and producers and getting rid of their lobsters and crabs. It is an appalling situation,” he said.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said he’s been contacted by several Irish fishermen concerned about the issue.

He urged the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots to engage with the Irish and EU authorities and find a solution.

“Several fishermen have contacted my office due to the significant issues they have faced as the Brexit transition period came to an end. Last week, boats registered in Coleraine were denied entry into Greencastle harbour in Donegal. Before the end of the transition period, these boats had been allowed to fish in waters off the North Coast and dock in Greencastle unhindered, but this is no longer an option for them,” stated the SDLP leader.

Independent Deputy Thomas Pringle said: “There should be six or seven ports designated in Donegal alone, never mind the whole country.”

Mr. McConalogue has said four ports in Donegal and seven around the country in total will be open for ‘third country’ landings in a fortnight’s time.

Speaking on Highland Radio yesterday he said: “From this day fortnight, February 1, Greencastle, Rathmullan and Burtonport, as well as Killybegs and Castletownbere as before, and Rossaveal in Galway and Howth on the east coast, will be designated for international landings ... which is what is required in order for these vessels to land their product.”

The ports listed will only be open on a weekday basis for the six hours between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

“I think this is certainly an accommodation and a move which means they will be able to operate.

“Unfortunately as a result of Brexit there is going to be additional paperwork and red tape involved for any Northern Irish or British or third country vessel landing into the EU, the Republic, which is unavoidable,” he said.

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority has stated: “As the UK is no longer an EU Member state, UK registered fishing vessels, including those vessels which are registered to addresses in Northern Ireland, are subject to new EU fisheries and food safety controls reflecting the UK’s status now as a Third Country.

“From January 1, 2021, UK registered vessels, including NI registered vessels must be pre-authorised by the SFPA prior to their arrival into port. If authorised, they may only land into one of the two Irish ports that are currently designated for Third Country landings: Killybegs or Castletownbere.”