A ‘FISHY’ PROPOSAL AT THE E.U.

Dear Editor,

Unfortunately, it can happen that by the time people become aware of a piece of legislation which will impact on their lives and businesses, it has been proposed, debated, amended and passed in Brussels.

At this point it is too late to make any major changes in the transposition process in the Dail or in the way it is applied in the department responsible. It is with this in mind that I ask to have the opportunity to mention a piece of legislation which I think will find opposition among many in Ireland but which is at a stage in Brussels at which it may still be possible to change.

The Commission proposal unveiled last December to include recreational fishing in the Common Fisheries Policy is not yet set in stone. In Ireland, this proposal will mean that anyone who fishes from a boat will be subject to a system of quotas, fees, log books, complex calendars and location schedules, enforcement, etc. and be subject to the same criminal sanctions that threaten our fishermen and women. Its mission statement tells us the CFP is in place to promote our European fishing industry and to protect fish stocks.

In what were once Irish territorial waters, both fish stocks and our Irish fishing industry have drastically diminished. In the EU, less than 1% of fish caught are done so in leisure and sport fishing yet this activity generates vital tourist income for our struggling fishing communities.

In many cases it is the summer income from sea angling that subsidises an Irish commercial fishing boat the rest of the year. It is my worry that all but the most dedicated anglers, when faced with the formidable red tape backed by criminal penalties, will find something else to do with their holiday time and budget.

To add insult to injury, the quota that will have to be assigned to recreational fishing if this proposal succeeds, will be subtracted from the quota of our commercial fishermen.

The loss to our fishing industry, our coastal communities and to the many people who fish recreationally or would like to know that they still have the freedom to take their children in a boat to catch a fish is obvious.

Less obvious but real is the loss to the environment because the sports and leisure fishing sector have increasingly been in the forefront of promoting awareness of the importance of protecting the waters and their ecosystems.

I would urge people who are directly affected and those of us on this island nation who are interested in the sea and want to pass on a love of it to our children and grandchildren to lobby Brussels and the Irish Government in relation to this aspect of what is called the “Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing a Community Control System for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy”.

I would be happy to pass on more information on the proposal.

Yours etc,
Kathy Sinnott, MEP for Munster,
St Joseph,
Ballinabearna,
Ballinhassig,
Co. Cork.

TALLOW – PUTTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Dear Editor,

With reference to the recent article printed in your paper, I would like to clarify some points raised.

Three members of the community council met with representatives of Tallow traders and two local councillors with a view to discuss any issues with a hope to finding common ground and to reach an agreement with the redesign of Tallow Square commissioned by Waterford County Council.

Tallow Community Council discussed an agreed submission with an understanding that all groups would discuss in greater detail. Tallow Community Council encourages and supports trade in the town and at all times are willing to facilitate any improvements.

The positives of the plan will provide a public park in the centre of the town with 60 parking spaces, restricted car parking spaces in the square with a two hour parking limit, enforced with a fine of €40. Those working in the town or needing a long-term car park will have the facility of the public car park.

The plaza effect in the square will include new seating, improved lighting, landscaping and heritage information panels. With its design, it will provide much needed traffic calming, ensuring safe crossing for young and old. Since we have been founded we have worked with Noel Healy and Donal Brady and other members of Waterford County Council who have been receptive to ideas brought to them by the community council.

Three major projects were highlighted last year with one already completed, another under construction and the third we hope to begin in the spring of this year. Tallow Community Council have worked tirelessly with the fire service in Tallow to see the construction of the new fire station, so badly needed in the town and hope to see this issue brought to a resolution in the near future. We thank the firemen for all their support.

Tallow Community Council are working with Waterford County Council to re-open a walkway around the town that will provide an essential amenity to visitors and locals alike.

Tallow Community Council are working with community groups in the operation and trained use of a defibrillator for the town, thanks to the generous donation of a defibrillator by local pharmacist, Helene McGrath. This is an important service for the town and we are delighted to see this in operation.

Tallow Community Council have worked with residents in the organising of ‘clean sweeps’ that have developed into regular litter picking nights. The Tallow sweep has been greatly improved under the watchful eye of two residents.

Tallow Community Council are working with the committee of St Patrick’s Hall and Foroige with the re-establishment of the sporting facilities long being neglected both inside and to the rear of the hall.

Tallow Community Council, along with Waterford County Council, have provided 50 window boxes for individual houses in the town, that number will increase every year.

Tallow Community Council, in association with the heritage committee, have researched and created ‘a new identity incorporating the old’ for the town that will establish Tallow as ‘The Gateway to Waterford’, with signage on all approach roads.

Tallow Heritage Committee have compiled a large collection of old photographs and are working towards the establishment of a heritage centre for the town. The sole objective of the community council is to work for the betterment of Tallow and its people and any claims to the contrary are at best, disingenuous, at worst mischievous and definitely misleading.

Yours sincerely,
Michael O’Keeffe,
Chairman of Tallow Community Council.

MR CROWLEY NEEDS TO BE SEEN AS WELL AS HEARD

Dear Editor,

I wish to take issue with Mr Brian Crowley MEP, The Avondhu January 29th edition, his assertions of support to farmers. He gave bland generalities, no specifics. I beg to differ with his statement. He stated that he works privately for farmers but I wonder why he has such a reluctance to work publicly with farmers? Below are two examples to my knowledge of where Mr Crowley could have shown solidarity with the farmers of North Cork and Munster and did not.

Autumn 2008, Mallow GAA Complex – Munster region IFA meeting. This meeting was held to discuss the issues and worries affecting farmers due to WTO talks that were in progress at the time. 400 farmers attended.

MEPs from Ireland South (Munster) were invited, Kathy Sinnott, Colm Burke and Brian Crowley. Kathy Sinnott and Colm Burke attended. Mr Brian Crowley did not attend when farmers needed him the most, he being a sitting government MEP. November 2008, Castletownroche, Killavullen, Shanballymore IFA annual general meeting.

I as secretary of this branch invited the MEPs from Ireland South, giving them five weeks notice. Again Colm Burke and Kathy Sinnott attended. Sir, I did not speak with Mr Crowley personally but with his office staff. I offered dates to suit all MEPs, having made contact with his office many times I failed to get a commitment from Mr Crowley.

Three days before the AGM I again phoned his office for a response and was informed that my call would be returned. It was, stating that Mr Crowley would not be in attendance as he could not get a flight home in time to attend our AGM.

Mr Crowley states that I have an agenda, yes, to work for the farmers I represent as an officer in my local branch. Mr Crowley’s article with photograph stated all that he had done for Irish agriculture, but we the farmers have not seen him in person at our meetings, he needs to be seen to work for us.

The European elections are coming and I feel his article in The Avondhu, January 22nd was a PR exercise to gain votes.

Yours sincerely,
John Magner,
Sec Castletownroche,
Killavullen,
Shanballymore IFA Branch.