At the public meeting organised by concerned parents in Silver Springs last Thursday. I was taken aback by the information given to the room and online that evening.. I was not the only one shock as you can see when I told Eddie Hobbs of our government and opposition parties betrayal of our people once more in the Brexit negotiations. All of them savaged our coastal communities by giving away our children’s right to fish in our own waters to sent future generations the opportunity to make a living from the richest waters in Europe.
We agree new people have to be elected to the next European Parliament, the recent Referendums provide clear evidence all the main political parties are no different when giving away our rights.
We stood up to be counted and those who listened to my interview with Neil Prendeville on Red FM know I was not afraid to speak out, not like other candidates now looking for your vote, telling you they will represent you in Brussels.
We now know this is not true and I ask you please think carefully of who you will give your precious vote to in June 7th and consider why I am not invited to candidate debates, nor invited to speak on many of mainstream media shows for a reason. My experience and knowledge of how politics and subsequently the decisions are made in Europe from my presence and work in Europe scares them.
As May 1st approaches, households across the country are bracing for yet another cost of living increase. This time, it’s the application of a carbon tax to Home Heating Oil and Marked Gas Oil. While the government claims it’s a necessary step for environmental reasons, many are left feeling annoyed and burdened.
Why the Frustration?
Aontú’s Stand: Aontú, the party that didn’t sign up for this, is voicing its opposition. They argue that there are better ways to address climate change without squeezing already struggling families.
Knocking on Doors: Other party candidates, however, are knocking on your door, promising more of the same. But if you’re tired of rising costs and want real change, consider voting for the party with common sense.
The Impact:
Home Heating Oil: The tax will add a hefty €19.40 to the cost of filling a 900-liter tank of home heating oil or kerosene.
Marked Gas Oil: Gas prices will rise by €1.48 per 60-liter fill, hitting commuters and businesses alike.
Your Choice:
Are you ready for more of the same? Or do you want a government that listens to common sense? Your vote matters. Choose wisely on election day.
In a world where harm persists within our own communities, it’s time to unveil the truth. Scientific evidence now emerges, shedding light on the wrongs that have been perpetuated.
But there’s more: the misuse of our children in parliamentary settings to spread misinformation is equally unjust. Our fishermen, both inshore and offshore, deserve equitable opportunities, guided by transparency.
Murphy warns that this tax, which is calculated annually at three percent of the land’s market value, will disrupt the housing equilibrium across southern towns and villages. He fears it will lead to a two-tier housing system that discriminates against those less affluent.
Patrick Murphy, Aontu’s representative for Ireland South in the upcoming European election, has voiced concerns over the newly implemented residential land tax. Originating from West Cork’s Mizen Peninsula,
The tax, introduced in February, aims to stimulate residential development and increase state-wide housing numbers. However, Murphy argues it will bring distress, particularly to rural farmers with land unsuitable for housing. He predicts a future where only the wealthy can afford homes, exacerbating the existing housing crisis.
He believes this tax has left rural inhabitants in a dire situation, paying exorbitant amounts for homes they will never own. Furthermore, he criticizes the government for failing its people and points out the restrictive planning regulations preventing children from building on gifted land.
Fishermen in Castletownbere, Ireland, successfully influenced a change in Russia’s naval exercise plans that threatened their fishing grounds.
The Russian government had intended to conduct military drills off the Irish coast, causing concern among the local community. Patrick Murphy, a local fishing organization leader, met with the Russian Ambassador to Ireland, Yury Filatov, to express these concerns. SOURCE & IMAGE CNN NEWS
Despite initial resistance, the Russian government eventually decided to relocate the exercises, ensuring the safety of the fishing area. This decision was celebrated in Castletownbere, demonstrating the power of dialogue and negotiation.
Storm Kathleen has brought strong winds and severe weather conditions to parts of Ireland1. This has caused significant disruption to various sectors, including the fishing industry. Castletownbere, a port town in County Cork, Ireland, known for being a regionally important fishing port2, has been particularly affected.
The storm has forced many fishing vessels to remain docked at ports like Castletownbere3. This is a significant setback as it is the first weekend of April and the lucrative prawn fishery on the Porcupine Bank closes in three weeks for Irish trawlers
The financial implications of this are substantial. The fishing boats, unable to venture out into the sea, are set to lose millions. These boats typically have to travel hundreds of miles, consuming a considerable amount of fuel. With the boats docked, they are not only incurring costs but also losing out on potential earnings3.
Moreover, the storm’s aftermath may prolong the recovery process. Even after the storm has passed, the boats may have to remain docked until the sea conditions are deemed safe for navigation. This extended downtime could further exacerbate the financial losses for the fishing industry.
In conclusion, Storm Kathleen has had a profound impact on the fishing industry, particularly in regions like Castletownbere. The forced inactivity of the fishing fleet due to the storm is resulting in significant financial losses, highlighting the vulnerability of such industries to extreme weather events.
Patrick Murphy, CEO of Irish South and West Fisheries Producers, has made a passionate plea to the Irish government. He urges them to show their commitment to the fishing industry by launching a campaign promoting fish consumption in Ireland.
This initiative aims to educate the public about the health benefits of fish and support the struggling fishing sector. Murphy highlights that the fishing industry, currently contributing €1.3 billion to the economy and providing over 11,000 jobs, could flourish with government backing.
He emphasizes the untapped potential of Ireland’s rich marine resources, which could significantly boost the economy and create sustainable jobs. However, he also points out the challenges faced by the fishing community, including harsh working conditions and low wages.
Murphy questions why the government isn’t doing more to protect the rights of the indigenous Irish fishing communities. He calls for a fairer distribution of fish caught in Irish waters and stresses the need for the government to fight for these rights in Europe
Patrick Murphy spoke about the concerns of the fishing industry in west Cork Region
West fish producers organization representing some bigger boats say fishing is what Fishers do and they oppose any ban on larger boats everybody thinks of the big huge trawlers that are catching one species of fish called Sprat but this is going to affect every single boat over those sizes and when you look at the actual data
It’s very little that these boats are catching inside in these areas but they catch it when they need to catch it species that they cannot catch outside the 6 miles.
Patrick Murphy for Ireland South in the European elections acknowledge at Nemo Rangers Count Centre That the family referendum receives an overwhelming “no” vote. AONTÚ the sole advocate for a new vote, asserts the people’s ability to see through the government’s tactics
From local to European elections, AONTÚ stands for change & accountability.
Becky Keely also highlighted AONTÚs role in opposition, led by Peader Tobin, in dissecting the referendum’s implications.
VIEW 3 Minute Clip
Mona Stomsoe from Middleton underscores the party’s commitment to neglected communities post-floods.
Becky emphasizes the need for democracy’s strengthening and tangible government support for citizens, especially carers and families. She warns of the government’s disconnect from the public and calls for action amidst Brexit challenges, affirming parties readiness to address these issues.
As a new mother, Keely celebrates the recognition of women’s contributions in the Constitution and calls for support for AONTU’s mission of political engagement and empowerment. From local to European elections, AONTÚ stands for change & accountability.
Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation CEO Patrick Murphy said: “What happens in processing is only going to impact the rest of the industry. Consumers will be hit with a hike to fish prices unless the State intervenes to tackle a crisis in Irish fishing, the industry has warned.
The number of fish being processed by the main plants in Ireland is now at the lowest level ever recorded by the industry, sparking concerns about job losses and rising prices for consumers.
Last year, the processing industry suffered a 45% decline in the amount of fish being landed in Irish ports and processed in the country’s biggest plants, based in Killybegs, Co Donegal.
That decline has worsened in 2024, according to figures for January and February, the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association has warned.
General secretary Brendan Byrne has highlighted how one processing plant has seen its processing levels drop to just under 9,000 tonnes this year compared to around 30,000 tonnes for the same time last year.
Another plant owner told the Irish Examiner the amount of fish it processes has gone from 50,000 tonnes to 9,000 tonnes in just two years.
Mr Byrne said around one-third of the Irish processing industry, which employs around 4,000 people, will go if the trend continues.
‘Draconian’ enforcement
He blamed the crisis on a “draconian” enforcement regime deployed by the State’s fisheries watchdog, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA).
The SFPA has been accused by fishermen of stringently enforcing EU fisheries rules and regulations on the landing and processing of fish, a claim the watchdog has rejected.
Regarding views expressed to this newspaper by fishing industry representatives that the SFPA operates “draconian” enforcement in adhering to EU regulations, an SFPA spokesperson said there was “no evidence to support those assertions”.
Reduced quota, which are set by the EU and stipulate the amount of fish Irish fishermen can catch in Irish and other EU waters, are also a big factor, the industry warns.
Mr Byrne said that further challenges are “coming down the tracks” that could make the situation even worse.As well as the prospect of the EU agreeing to a deal to allow Iceland to fish in Irish waters, the 2020 Brexit Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) has to be renegotiated by 2026.
That post-Brexit trade deal between the EU and Britain only got over the line after Ireland took a disproportionately high quota cut.
Mr Byrne believes Ireland will have to endure an extra quota cut.
“We are in the middle of a perfect storm that is destroying the Irish fishing industry. There are so many things happening at once and the industry can’t cope,” Mr Byrne said.
It is happening on our watch and this slow-motion car crash that we have warned about for years is now heading towards the edge of a cliff.
“For the average punter, the effect of a lack of fish being processed in Ireland is going to mean a shortage of supply and, ultimately, an increase in prices. But for the industry, it is going to mean job cuts.
“These are going to be job cuts in the most peripheral coastal communities in Ireland where there are little or no alternative ways to earn a living.”
Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation CEO Patrick Murphy said: “What happens in processing is only going to impact the rest of the industry.
“It is the proverbial canary in the coal mine for the Irish fishing industry and I am very worried about these results.
“It illustrates a big decline right there in black and white and, ultimately, you can’t process what you don’t have.”
The minister for agriculture was asked for a comment.
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