Trawler Limits?

Is there a law in place in the Republic Of Ireland which states how close a trawler can operate to shore?
The reason why I'm asking is, I was doing a bit of plugging and spinning over the weekend in Portrane and there was a fleet of f*cking trawlers from Howth dragging there poxy nets through the water, literally 500 yards from the shore. These boats were not after razors or any other kind of shellfish they were literally trawling!
I'm still absolutely fuming at the utter dis-regard for the marine enviroment by these f***ers!!!!!!!!!

Im pretty sure there is no law for how far out a trawler must fish, because they would normally head for deep water. When you say a fleet, how many boats are you talking about? could they have been dredging for oysters or mussels?

I don't think there is a law Keith. Best thing to do is try take photos of this in Action. Then complain to everyone and I mean everyone..... Start with your local representives, especially the greens now that they are in power. Go all the way up to the relevent minister..... Get the photos out to as many people as you can. Just think of the Damage these eejites are doing.

Kev