Ahead of the EU’s fishing quota sharing and access negotiations beginning next week, Colm Markey MEP is calling for a united stance.
‘It’s of utmost importance that our voice resonates loudly and clearly in Brussels,’ said Colm Markey, commenting that the time has come to stand up and for Ireland to demand its fair share.
‘I am well aware of the challenges being faced and it is crucial that we present a united robust stance in the EU. As negotiations on quotas for coming year get underway, we must ensure that Ireland is well represented. We are a significant contributor in terms of the EU’s access to fishing waters, yet we do not receive a reciprocal allocation in return. The time has come to stand up and demand our fair share.’
The meeting was hosted by the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO), the Irish Fish Processors & Exporters Association (IFPEA), and Killybegs Stevedoring Ltd.
Colm Markey took the opportunity to outline and update the meeting of his ongoing work with the Parliament Fisheries Committee (PECH), sharing insights of the European perspective.
‘The fishing industry plays a vital role in this region and its imperative that we do everything we can to strengthen the sector. It is important for me to come to Killybegs once again to listen to those concerns,’ he said.
Acknowledging Colm Markey’s continuous engagement with the industry and his fourth visit to Killybegs, IFPO CEO Aodh O Donnell said that he works tirelessly at European level to advocate and represent the fishing sector.
‘He is a strong voice and has facilitated engagement directly with senior executives in DG Mare. He is highly regarded for his frank no nonsense approach and has represented us effectively with European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius. We are fortunate to have him work with us to push for a reversal of the relative decline of the sector,’ he said.
‘Colm is always available to meet and represent our interests at National and EU Level,’ IFPEA chief executive Brendan Byrne said.
‘He is keenly aware of the significance of the industry to coastal communities and has spoken out on our behalf at various fora. In the last year, he was resolute in supporting our campaign to keep the Norwegian fleet outside the Irish box and to secure a precedent in relation to this. He showed great resilience and was quick to call out the Norwegians and others for their abuse and unilateral quota setting. He is a friend in Government and is sincere in defending our interests.’
He went on to describe Killybegs as the engine of growth in the South Donegal hinterland accounting for a high level of employment. ‘Fishing, processing, and the ancillary service providers underpin the socio-economic development of this area. We appreciate Colm’s commitment and his deep understanding of the challenges faces by the sector. Today, we outlined the ongoing impacts of Brexit on this region and the need for a level playing field with Europe. We discussed our priorities and heard some ideas for the upcoming EU Council fishery negotiations.’
