Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness has been appointed Chair of the newly formed Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, a key role that will see him lead national policy discussions on Ireland’s fishing industry, coastal communities, and marine sustainability. The Waterford TD is also his party’s spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
McGuinness takes on the role having recently been elected to the Dáil for the first time a few months ago. He is a resident of the coastal Gaeltacht area of An Rinn in West Waterford, and comes from a family long associated with the fishing industry. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald today announced Sinn Féin’s seven Committee Chairs, with four men and three women appointed to these key Oireachtas roles.
McGuinness said:
Sinn Féin has long advocated for the establishment of an Oireachtas Committee dedicated to fisheries and marine issues. This is a new committee and my vision is for a committee that listens to the sector, that holds the Minister and his Department to account, and that advocates for Ireland’s coastal communities and for our neglected fishing and maritime industries.
“This is a crucial time for Ireland’s fisheries and marine sector. Coastal communities like ours in Waterford depend on a thriving fishing and maritime industry. As Chair, I will ensure their voices are heard at the highest level.
“I will champion inshore fisheries and the wider industry. Successive Governments have failed to negotiate fair quotas for Ireland and I believe this needs to be examined. Ports and harbours need to see real investment, and in particular local authorities need to be supported to dredge and maintain smaller fisheries harbours such as Cé Heilbhic.
“Government, state agencies and energy firms must be subject to proper oversight when it comes to developing offshore renewable energy to ensure communities are listened to, protected and empowered. I believe the Committee should have a central role in ensuring concerns are heard and addressed, and that communities benefit from development.
“Our marine biodiversity and coastal environment must be protected from the effects of pollution and the destructive techniques of so-called super trawlers. In particular I am keen that the Committee will play a role in examining inadequacies in the state’s fisheries enforcement regime, and the environmental impacts of decades of underinvestment in sewage systems in coastal areas.
“Protecting lives at sea, policing our maritime resource, and securing our territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone are of critical strategic importance and are issues that I the new Committee should consider and investigate. This means ensuring the Irish Coast Guard and Naval Service are adequately resourced and empowered to fulfil their missions and supporting our voluntary lifeboat and rescue services.”
ENDS
Conor D. McGuinness TD 