Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, has said that closer cooperation between Ireland and Norway is essential in areas such as sea fisheries, renewable energy, and international human rights.
Deputy McGuinness was speaking following a meeting at the Norwegian Embassy in Dublin with Aslak Brun, Norway’s Ambassador to Ireland, to mark the 80th anniversary of Norway’s liberation from Nazi occupation.
“I was glad to meet with Ambassador Brun on such a significant anniversary,” said Deputy McGuinness.
“Norway and Ireland share a history of resistance, independence, and strong internationalist values. Today, those shared values matter more than ever.”
The meeting covered a wide range of issues, including the growing tensions around access to shared fish stocks in the North-East Atlantic.
“There are competing interests in our fisheries, but there are also opportunities for deeper cooperation,” said Deputy McGuinness, who chairs the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.
“Norway is a major player in the region. Ireland must stand firm in protecting our coastal communities, our quotas, and our access rights. That includes ensuring a fair and balanced approach to key stocks like mackerel and blue whiting. These are vital to the Irish fishing sector, and recent unilateral increases in quotas have caused real concern. A frank and robust exchange of views took place on these issues.”
The Waterford TD also raised concerns about offshore energy development and the rights of local communities.
“We discussed the enormous potential of floating turbine arrays off the Irish coast, particularly in the south and west,” he said. “Floating turbines allow wind farms to be placed much further offshore, reducing impact on coastal landscapes. Communities here have been told that this technology isn’t yet ready—but Norway has already made significant advances. This needs to be properly considered, as it may allow for more appropriate and publicly supported development of offshore wind farther from shore.”
As Sinn Féin spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Deputy McGuinness emphasised the importance of balanced regional development and local empowerment.
“Norway’s model of rural investment, local governance and bilingual support for the Sámi people offers valuable insights as we work to strengthen the Gaeltacht and support our island and rural communities.”
The meeting also addressed the worsening humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
“I took the opportunity to raise the urgent need for action from the international community to halt the horrific onslaught by Israel on the Palestinian people,” said Deputy McGuinness. “Norway and Ireland have both played constructive roles in the past. That tradition of diplomacy and solidarity is needed now more than ever.”
Cultural and academic ties between Ireland and Norway were also on the agenda, including links between Waterford and the Norwegian city of Tønsberg.
“There’s great scope to build on historic and modern connections—cultural, economic and educational,” said Deputy McGuinness. “With Waterford’s Viking heritage and growing international outlook, we should be looking to deepen these ties in practical ways.”
Deputy McGuinness concluded by welcoming the ongoing dialogue between Ireland and Norway:
“This was a timely and constructive meeting. Our two countries have much to gain by working together—on sustainable fisheries, fair energy policy, rural development and global justice. I look forward to continuing that engagement through the Oireachtas Committee and beyond.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 