A Donegal-based fishing company has been sent to face trial at the Circuit Court over alleged breaches of sea fisheries regulations.
At Letterkenny District Court, Garda Pauline Doherty gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on Darragh Gillen. Garda Doherty also gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on Michael Gillen, a director of MCD Trawling Ltd.
MCD Trawling Ltd and Darragh Gillen were both represented by Mr Ciaran Haran, solicitor.
MCD Trawling Ltd, of Shilling Hill, Greencastle, is charged with three offences.
It is charged with interfering with an official carrying out an inspection, within the State, contrary to section 34 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006.
It is also charged with failing to have a transport document, contrary to article 68 of Regulation 1224/2009, Regulation 6 of SI 54 of 2016, and section 14 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006.
MCD Trawling Ltd is also charged with being the operator and failing to weigh the landing, contrary to section 60 (2) of Regulation 1224/2009.
Darragh Gillen, of Drumaweir, Greencastle, is charged that, having been a master of the Saint Catherine Laboure, he failed to comply with Annex EU X, 404 of 2011, in that he did fail to send a return-to-port message prior to the vessel entering port.
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Mr Kieran Dillon, State Solicitor for Donegal, told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has consented for the accused being sent forward to Letterkenny Circuit Court for trial.
Mr Dillon said that the option of a signed plea had been declined in the case.
Judge Emile Daly noted the service of books of evidence and the DPP’s consent. Judge Daly made an order returning the accused for trial and administered the alibi warning.
Legal aid was granted to Mr Haran and a certificate for legal counsel was also granted.