CONCERNS over the possible imposition of so-called ‘Swedish nets’ topped the agenda during a meeting between a group of UUP politicians and Kilkeel fishermen.

South Down UUP MLA John McCallister and Mournes councillor Harold McKee were joined at last week’s meeting at Kilkeel Harbour by party colleague Jo-Anne Dobson, the UUP Agriculture spokesperson and an Upper Bann MLA.

The UUP representatives were told the local fishermen have serious misgivings about the possibility of having to use the nets.

Mr McCallister said the fishermen wanted Fisheries Minister Michelle O’Neill to take their concerns on board.

“We spoke with the fishermen and frankly they are disgusted with Michelle O’Neill’s attitude and they feel she is not fighting for and representing the fishermen of Northern Ireland to the best of her ability,” he said.

“One thing was very clear and that is the fact local fishermen are totally opposed to the implementation of the Swedish grid. They can’t afford to be using nets that can’t catch fish.”

Cllr McKee said: “I’m glad we had the opportunity to highlight this very worrying development to Jo-Anne Dobson. The meeting brought home the very serious plight we are in. We will do everything in our power to fight this.”

The Upper Bann MLA described the local fishing industry as “one of the major contributors” to the local economy.

“I was delighted to meet up with representatives of the fishing industry to listen carefully to their concerns,” she added.

“I am aware of the hard work and dedication which our local fishermen put in every day to ensure that their industry remains both profitable and an attractive job prospect for young people.  

“Among many topics, we discussed the health and safety risks in relation to the potential imposition by the EU of so-called ‘Swedish nets’ onto prawn trawls and also the need for and positive benefits of a decommissioning scheme for aging trawlers. 

“Fishermen will also be watching the DARD Minister closely to ensure that she is fighting for a re-negotiation on the recent disappointing 10% cut in the Total Allowable Catch for herring in the Irish Sea.  I had recently raised this specific issue with the Agriculture Minister at Stormont and I and my UUP Assembly colleagues will continue to stand up for the best interests of this industry.”