Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, has said that under leadership the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs will become a strong and active voice for Ireland’s coastal communities — including those along the Waterford coast from “the Suir Estuary and Dunmore East to Boatstrand, Heilbhic and Ardmore”.
Giving his chairperson’s opening remarks at the Committee’s inaugural meeting this week, Deputy McGuinness criticised the State’s record on marine and fisheries policy, saying coastal communities have been left behind by successive governments that have failed to invest, protect or plan for the long-term future of the sector.
“This Committee must not be passive. It must ask hard questions, listen to communities, and bring forward real, practical solutions. Our job is to make sure government policy, legislation and action supports these communities — not hinders them,” he said.
Reflecting on his own background Deputy McGuinness said:
“I come from a coastal community, and I know how central the sea is to life and livelihood. I worked on both inshore and offshore fishing boats as a teenager. My family — on both sides — has long-standing connections to the fishing tradition, along the east and south coasts. I’ve seen first-hand the dangers involved, the long hours, the resilience that defines the sector. And I’ve also seen how often these communities are left out of decision-making.”
He used his inaugural address to highlight the needs of communities along the Waterford coastline, including Dunmore East, Boatstrand, Heilbhic, Ardmore and the Suir Estuary, describing the area as having a rich maritime heritage and enormous natural potential.
“I reiterated my longstanding call for Cé Heilbhic to be dredged — a small but vital harbour that continues to be unfairly excluded under current government schemes. I’ll be asking the Committee to examine the rules that are blocking this critical project.”
He also pointed to wider issues facing the sector — including the loss of quota share, the lack of investment in harbours and seafood processing, and the need for better oversight of environmental protection and offshore development.
Deputy McGuinness said the Committee should support sustainable economic diversification and ensure that coastal and island communities are included in decision-making at every stage.
“I want this Committee to be a space that delivers — where problems are investigated, communities are heard, and solutions are proposed. That’s the standard we need to set, and I’m determined that we meet it.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 