Galway Senator calls for fishermen bail out

Sinn Fein's Trevor O' Clochartaigh says many inshore fishermen are in danger of losing their livelihoods due to damage done by the adverse weather conditions.In recent days, boats and other critical infrastructure such as access roads, piers and slipways have been severely affected.Senator O' Clochartaigh says the Marine Minister needs to put an emergency fund in place immediately.Meanwhile, the Irish Shellfish Association says the small marine farming sector has also been seriously impacted.The group argues that such stormy conditions highlight the need for crucial funds to upgrade marine farms.It's calling on Minister Simon Coveney to allow access to capital grant aid for all producers to ensure they can upgrade their equipment as is the case elsewhere in Europe.