S.F.P.A raid the offices of a Fish company in Wexford | Wexford Weekly

The S.F.P.A recently raided the offices of a Wexford business…

Wexford Sinn Féin TD Johnny Mythen has raised some deep concerns about the recent S.F.P.A. raid on the offices of the Saltees Fish Company in Kilmore Quay, Wexford.

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is the independent statutory body responsible for the regulation of the sea-fisheries and the seafood production sectors.

Reports have indicated that the raid involved the company’s office staff being evacuated from the building, and the seizure of computers, papers and other items related to the company’s business.

The S.F.P.A were accompanied by seven squad cars and up to 25 Gardaí and armed detectives.

“The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority confirms it participated in an operation in conjunction with An Garda Siochana on Wednesday July 3rd 2024 as part of an on-going investigation,” the SFPA confirmed.

One person who expressed concerns about the raid was Sinn Féin TD, Johnny Mythen, who stated:

“I would consider this an overaction and heavy-handed treatment of Fishers and their employees. This raid almost mirrors the one that occurred in 2004 by the SFPA  in Killybegs resulting in neither a conviction nor an arrest. This is galling stuff when compared to the kids gloves approach to foreign fishing vessels and supertrawlers fishing in our territorial waters.”

The mail on Sunday reported last week a whistle blowers account of an incident involving, a 126 mts. Long supertrawler the MVF Afrika. However, there was no squadron boarding this vessel or zealous questioning of personnel on board.”

Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on fisheries raised this incident last week with the Taoiseach also.

Speaking on the matter, Padraig MacLochlainn said:

“It is well known in the Irish Fishing  communities that they hold a strong view that there is one rule for supertrawlers ,and super factory ships and another for our indigenous fishing fleet”.

Deputy Mythen continued,

“How fair is it that Belgium Boats can catch 80% of  Black sole, the most lucrative fish in our waters, while the Irish Boats have a mere 4% Quota?

In simple terms  Belgium boats catch between 3 and 7 tonnes of black sole a trip , fetching 20 Euros a Kilo, while Irish boats are limited to 100 Kilos per trip. This is an impossible rule to comply with.”

Mythen refers to the Minister’s website. On the Ministers website, it states ”Irish fishers are an economically vital part of our Nation. If you work in this sector you are contributing to the economic and environmental wellbeing of Ireland.”

“These words are sadly sounding very hollow in Co. Wexford’s coastline communities today,” Mythen concluded.

Jason Redmond

From Gorey, Jason is the owner of Wexford Weekly. He is also a post-primary English and History teacher.

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