Only one Inshore fisherman left in Killybegs as councillor pleads for funding - Donegal Daily

The inshore fishing industry in Killybegs is on the brink of collapse. Independent councillor Niamh Kennedy highlighted the grave situation.

Independent councillor Niamh Kennedy has called for greater investment and more quotas for the Inshore Fishing sector in Donegal.

Kennedy supported the motion tabled by Sinn Fein councillor Noel Jordan, which called on Timmy Dooley, Minister of Fisheries, to accept the deal that the National Inshore Fishermen's Association has tabled following Budget 27.

Kennedy spoke to Donegal Daily following a meeting of the Donegal Municipal District in Donegal Town last week.

"I have been calling for more investment in the Inshore Fishing sector for years. As far back as 2016, I tabled a motion through the Donegal County Council that called for a Minister for Marine and Fisheries only, because the remit is far too big between that and agriculture.

"I felt it was very important back then, but the situation has become even more acute," said Kennedy.

Kennedy said quotas remained a big issue for inshore fishermen across Donegal, and also laid bare the stark reality facing the industry in 2026.

"The allocation of quotas is very, very restricted on the Inshore Fishing sector, and as I raised at the meeting earlier, there is now only one full-time inshore fisherman working out of Killybegs, which is just really, really hard to believe to be honest," said Kennedy.

Kennedy pointed out how inshore fishermen across Donegal provide the prawns, lobsters, crabs, and other seafood we love in our restaurants across Donegal, but that the sector is now on the brink of collapse.

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"The local market is key for inshore fishermen, a lot of the produce is already being exported to global markets, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to find another market abroad to sell to.

"The cost of bait is up 50%, the price of diesel has been well documented, and it's just not sustainable for them. They are enduring a very tough time, but we have to do more to support the sector," said Kennedy.

Kennedy also stressed the positive impact the inshore fishing sector has on the local economy.

"For one fishermen out at sea there is 7 jobs ashore, and that is something that we really need to highlight and emphasize. We need Minister Dooley to hear that and understand the situation.

"There was talk at the meeting about Bluefin Tuna and Mackerel, they don't have that mackerel cut, but they should absolutely get it. It doesn't have to come from another quota, there should be an inshore mackerel quota for those fishermen to be able to sustain their families and their communities," said Kennedy.

Kennedy highlighted the dangers faced by inshore fishermen, and said they deserve more respect.

"They love their job, and it's a very dangerous job, and they should be respected for what they do and for what they provide. They are the backbone of coastal communities across Donegal."