Waterford TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Conor McGuinness TD today published the results of Sinn Féin’s comprehensive Fisheries and Seafood survey, alongside Sinn Féin spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD.
The survey results highlight the severe challenges and systemic crisis facing the industry, with respondents underlining a sector in distress, facing mounting economic pressures, regulatory challenges, and a sense of neglect from both the Irish government and European Union.
Speaking at the launch of the survey results in Dublin Teachta McGuinness said:
“The state must finally give coastal communities the voice they deserve, and put an end to decades of neglect, mismanagement and policy failure in the fishing and maritime sector.
“The stories shared in the Sinn Féin Fisheries and Seafood Survey are heartbreaking. They speak to the deep frustration and fear that now defines this once thriving industry.
“We need an ambitious and assertive national marine policy. That means fairer quota allocations, upgraded harbour infrastructure, real investment in seafood processing, and a strategy that includes, not excludes, coastal and island communities in the shift to offshore renewables.
“We commend our fishing and seafood industry leaders on their campaigning that has led to a dedicated Minister for Fisheries and the re-establishment of a dedicated Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs after many years without one.
“Sinn Féin will chair this important committee. Working with other TDs and Senators on a cross-party basis, this can be the start of a reset for our industry both in Ireland and in Europe.”
Teachta Mac Lochlainn TD said:
“The key objective of the survey was to give people an opportunity to provide their firm views on the government and state authorities’ support for the industry, the current state of the industry, and hopes for the future of the industry, amongst other things.
“What we can see clearly from these results is that the Irish fishing and seafood industry is being severely neglected. It is under-supported, undervalued, and faces a systemic crisis that demands immediate attention from the government.
“We had the Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the UN Oceans Conference in Nice this week outlining Ireland’s ambition to lead global maritime policy. He added that, ‘as an island nation, Ireland is blessed with some of the world’s finest marine resources, providing jobs, energy, food, and respite and pleasure for citizens and tourists alike’.
“The testimonies of those who responded to our survey tell a very different story to the rosy picture painted by Micheál Martin, and the apparent commitment from his government to this industry flies in the face of the lived realities of fishing communities.
“Numerous respondents to our survey shared their personal and family stories, highlighting inter-generational commitment to the fishing and seafood industry, severe mental health impacts, economic strain, but crucially their frustration at what they believe to be government and state neglect.
“Respondents overwhelmingly emphasised the urgent need for reform in fisheries management and regulation, quota allocation, and improved advocacy at the national and European levels. Without a radical reset in government policy and immediate actions, there is a consensus that the Irish fishing and seafood industry faces existential threats”.
“The Irish fishing communities have waited long enough. What they are asking for is not charity, it’s fairness, respect, and a future.
“We need a government with the necessary ambition and passion for our coastal communities. A government that will unite the entire Irish fishing and seafood industry and join them in the fight for a fair share of the fish in our waters.”
Survey document as launched today: https://sinnfein.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Fisheries-and-seafood-Survey-results-June-2025.pdf
Conor D. McGuinness TD 