Fisherman prevented a dredger from working in Cork harbour yesterday because they claim the plan to remove the Spit Bank, off Cobh, will destroy their livelihood. The fishermen are from Cobh, Passage West,
Aghada, Whitegate and East Ferry. Among those taking part in the blockade yesterday was Ms Dolly O'Donovan in a boat belonging to her nephew, Mr Oliver Ireland. "My family, for maybe 10 generations, has fished this bank. We shouldn't be the last just because this is a handy source of infill," she said.
The Department of the Marine has given two licences for the removal of sand and gravel from the spit, which is a well-known fishing and breeding ground. About seven small fishing boats took turns to block the dredger from working by weighing anchor under its bucket.
They had discussions with Tarmac Walls representatives yesterday morning but refused to move.
Tarmac Walls wants the sand and gravel to backfill the Lee tunnel now being completed, while the Port of Cork Company Ltd has permission to remove material to extend the Ringaskiddy deep-water port. The Department issued licences after receiving environmental impact studies on the proposal. Mr Pat Stoat, from Cobh, said they objected to the licences and got an undertaking from the previous
Minister for the Marine, Mr Sean Barrett, that he would meet them before issuing the licences.
"Despite sending registered letters, phone calls and faxes we have not been able to get any meetings with the Department to explain our position fully. It appears they are only interested in listening to big business," he said.
Up to 30 families depend for their livelihood on fishing in the inner harbour near Cobh. They use small boats, from 16 feet to 36
feet long, mainly during the winter months, fishing for whiting, codling, plaice, sole shrimp and velvet crabs. They sell some locally but export most of the catch. Seventeen years ago, sand and gravel was removed from the bank to help to create Ringaskiddy port, and fishermen were then given undertakings that their fishing would not be affected and that the bank would be restored.
"But this has not happened and this time they gave us the same assurances," Mr Stoat said.