BIM needs to renew Dingle ice plant workers’ contracts now to protect plant’s future - O’Donoghue

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) should apply to the Government immediately to renew the contracts of the two employees working in the Dingle pier ice plant, according to Kerry South Fianna Fáil TD John O’Donoghue. Deputy O’Donoghue has learned that BIM has made no application to the Government to have these contracts extended and is concerned that this delay could have serious implications for the future of the plant and for the local fishing industry.

“This plant is very important to all those fishing out of Dingle as it provides ice for the boats that use the pier,” said Deputy O’Donoghue. “Without the ice that the plant supplies, fishing out of Dingle would be extremely difficult and that is a situation that no one wants to see arise.”

“Unfortunately this scenario is not out of the question if Bord Iascaigh Mhara does not ensure that the contracts for the two employees working in the ice plant are renewed very soon. They have made no application so far to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries or the Department of Finance and the fact is that the clock is ticking and they will need to have this matter resolved quickly, given the economic challenges facing the public finances.”

“Failure to renew these contracts in the coming weeks could have very serious implications for the future of the ice plant and that in turn will have a major knock on effect on everyone involved in the fishing industry in Dingle. I am appealing to Bord Iascaigh Mhara to make this a priority, to ensure these two loyal workers have their future secured and that the ice plant is protected so the Dingle fishing fleet can continue to use it,” Deputy O’Donoghue concluded.