Rogers calls for responder devices for local fishermen | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Rogers calls for responder devices for local fishermen

South Down MLA Seán Rogers has called on the Minister for Agriculture to set up a small grant programme to provide responder devices to fishermen.

rogers1In particular the MLA referred to the dangers associated with oyster fishing and how such devices may have the potential to save lives.

Speaking in the Assembly the South Down representative said, “A couple of months ago in Clare, an oyster fisherman tragically lost his life when the tides came in on him.

“As you know, good communication between land and sea is vital, but, with competing phone signals in the likes of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough, the mobile phone is not an answer.”

Rogers explained how modern technology has enabled these relatively inexpensive and potentially lifesaving pieces of equipment to be manufactured in a way that makes them small enough to attach to a life jacket.

Following the Minister’s response that she has ‘not been privy to any kind of conversation about responder devices’ the South Down MLA said, “I was pleased that the Minister demonstrated a willingness to explore the possibility of becoming involved with other stakeholders to investigate the matter further. I will continue to work with the Minister and her Department to ensure this happens in a timely fashion.”

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Posted by on Jul 2 2015. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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