Greencastle and Rathmullan to open for 'third country' landings next month, fisheries minister Charlie McConalogue confirms

Speaking on Highland Radio this morning he said 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.

'Appalling' that Irish fishermen are being prevented from landing catch at Greencastle and other ports, blasts Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

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.

Colum Eastwood says Irish trawlers must be allowed to land at Greencastle after being contacted by frustrated fishermen

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 now said that four ports in Donegal and seven around the county in total will be open for 'third country' landings in a fortnight's time.

"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 for both Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing purposes and also North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission purposes, which is what is required in order for these vessels to land their product," he said.

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

"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 European Union, the Republic, which is unavoidable," he said.