DUP MEP Diane Dodds has welcomed the opening of the first three measures under the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) announced last week. The EFF will deliver over £30m to the Northern Ireland fishing industry over the period of the next six years. Commenting, Diane Dodds, who is a member of the European Parliament Fisheries Committee said:
"The European Fisheries Fund (EFF) is a much needed boost to the fishing industry here in Northern Ireland. Regrettably, Northern Ireland is probably the last region in Europe in which EFF has been opened. Yet, while long overdue, it does represent some good news for the local industry.
Of course for the fleet and many processors a big encouragement will come from the quota rules and days at sea levels. Understandably people are nervous about investing even with grant support when they are unsure what 2010 will bring. The European Union and Common Fisheries Policy must provide stability. This stability can only be established with confirmation of no reduction in the prawn quota and an urgent review of cod recovery measures.
The EFF is part of a process through which our fishing industry can develop here in Northern Ireland. However, the development I want to see in the industry cannot be achieved without a common sense approach being adopted by Europe that gives fishermen the freedom they require."
