Sinn Féin TD for Waterford and Chair of the Oireachtas Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Committee, Conor McGuinness TD, has said that it’s time to end the neglect of our fishing and coastal communities.
Speaking ahead of the newly formed committee’s first sitting, Deputy McGuinness said that Ireland’s fishing industry was the sacrificial lamb for Ireland’s EU membership, but things have changed. He added that Ireland more than pulls its weight in the EU, and that it’s time for a rethink on the prioritisation of Ireland’s fishing industry in Leinster House.
Teachta McGuinness said:
“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. This new committee will ensure their voices are heard at the highest level.
“As a resident of the coastal Gaeltacht area of An Rinn in West Waterford and coming from a family long associated with the fishing industry, I am strong advocate for coastal communities, the fishing industry and for the wider maritime sector.
“Sinn Féin has long advocated for the establishment of an Oireachtas committee dedicated to fisheries and the marine. One that holds the Minister and their Department to account, and that advocates for Ireland’s coastal communities and for our neglected fishing and maritime industries.
“Successive governments have failed to negotiate fair quotas for Ireland. Fishing communities feel like they have been abandoned by the government and there is a real sense of injustice and hurt over the way they have been treated.”
“On the issue of offshore wind energy, the 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.
“These issues will be discussed by the committee and I’m hoping we can get to work quickly, improving the lives of fishing families and coastal communities.
“The committee will also look at protecting lives at sea, policing our maritime resource, and securing our territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone. These are of critical strategic importance and are issues that 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.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 