The programme for government has been agreed and will be published later today.
As regards the plan for our fishing industry and coastal communities, here’s what we know so far
A lot of the points raised and lobbied for by our PO’s and industry representatives appear to have been accepted by the incoming government including the long hoped for appointment of a Minister with sole responsibility for Marine albeit a Minister of State role.
The programmes details the following points to be implemented in the coming term of the new government.
Fisheries and the Marine
- We deeply value the role of fisheries in the future of our country and the communities that rely on this activity for their livelihood.
- We will stand up for fisheries in quota negotiations to return the maximum yield, while maintaining stock levels according to the latest scientific evidence.
- We will also maintain support for the inshore fishing sector, aquaculture as well investing in our State Fishery Harbour Centres and public marine infrastructure.
Fishing
This Government will:
- Re-establish a Minister of State for Fisheries/Marine who will work closely with the Cabinet Minister.
- Publish a five-year Fisheries Sector strategy that will include an examination of the processing sector.
- Continue to support and promote improvements in fisheries and aquaculture.
- Examine incentives for fishermen to land their catch in Irish ports, with a view to support the domestic processing sector.
- Fight at EU level for Common Fisheries Policy reforms that ensure fairer quotas for Irish fishermen and due recognition is given to the proportion of fish species caught in Irish waters.
- Promote the sustainability of fish stocks, while ensuring sufficient supply of species to allow fishermen into the future derive a fair return.
- Liaise with fishing stakeholders and request that Revenue examine the current tax allowances for the sector and bring forward recommendations on how the taxation system can further support its progression.
- Explore fleet adjustment measures and consider any changes given the ever-evolving scientific advice on fish stocks.
- Support the Seafood/Offshore Renewable Energy Working Group in providing an important bridge to facilitate discussion on issues arising from the interaction of these sectors, and to encourage open dialogue between stakeholders.
- Defend Irish Fishing interests ahead of the 2026 review of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and in discussions on third countries.
- Work at EU level to increase supports to the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.
- Ensure the promotion of marine education courses and degree programmes with a view to increasing enrolments.
Coastal Communities
This Government will:
- Ensure the diversification of coastal economies and establish new openings beyond traditional industries.
- Support coastal communities towards benefitting from the development of offshore renewable energy projects.
- Review and strengthen conservation measures for marine ecosystems and wildlife. We will also expand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)and establish wildlife sanctuaries.
- Continue to support the sustainable development of our aquaculture sector and modernise and streamline aquaculture licencing in the State through legislation changes.
- Set up a Maritime Regeneration, Development and Conservation Fund. This fund will support harbours, marinas, and tourism development as well as actions to address coastal erosion.
- Liaise with Fáilte Ireland to launch a Marine Tourism Strategy. This will be aimed at drawing domestic and international tourists to our coastal villages.
- Market eco-tourism by providing support to wildlife activities such as whale and dolphin watching. We will also safeguard marine species while expanding the tourism industry.
- Establish initiatives that will protect our maritime cultural heritage.
