A Spanish-owned trawler was forced to abandon plans to land catch in Dingle in the early hours of this morning due to protests by local fishermen.
The fishermen have concerns about the possible transmission of Covid-19 on the pier. Up to 40 protesters mounted a blockade at the Co Kerry port, preventing a Spanish-registered truck from entering the pier to collect fish from the vessel.
A significant garda presence, including local gardaí and Tralee-based gardaí, were tasked to clear access to the pier. At 4.30am the French-registered, Spanish-owned trawler berthed at Dingle pier.
In line with Covid-19 restrictions recently announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed, the trawler tied-up in an area specifically