Irish fishing industry leaders have welcomed a €32 million mackerel agreement secured by the Marine Minister at the EU Agrifish Council.
The Seafood Ireland Alliance state than this deal is a win which help provide a level of stability to the fishing industry – although it falls short of restoring a fair deal for Ireland at EU level. The Irish industry still faces the loss of over half of its 2025 EU fishing quota due to EU cuts and are now being crippled by rising fuel costs.
The agreement reflects sustained lobbying by the Seafood Ireland Alliance and what they credit as ‘strong engagement’ by Marine Minister Timmy Dooley. They also acknowledge the work of Irish MEPs in raising the sectors concerns.
The SIA say Ireland benefits significantly from the deal due to its large mackerel quota, although structural inequality persists at EU level because Ireland controls 12% of EU waters but receives less than 6% of quotas.
Aodh O’Donnell, CEO of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation, said the deal reflects months of pressure.
‘We welcome this outcome. It follows sustained campaigning by the Seafood Ireland Alliance and direct engagement with Minister Dooley. This deal secures landings of mackerel worth €32 million. That matters for coastal jobs and processors. But let’s be clear. Ireland still has 20,000 tonnes less of mackerel to catch in 2026. This is major progress.’
Brendan Byrne, CEO of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association, commented that the agreement corrects recent instability. ‘Non-EU coastal states like Norway excluded the EU from key negotiations. They inflated quotas and undermined sustainability,’ he said.
‘This deal restores the level playing field with our competitors in the short-term for mackerel. It protects markets and supports Ireland’s processing sector. Credit is due to Minister Dooley who led and worked effectively at EU level to secure this outcome.’
According to Patrick Murphy of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation, cooperation drove results.
‘Industry and government worked closely together since December. That alignment was critical. Minister Dooley built support across Member States. The Alliance kept pressure on throughout. The result is a more balanced quota. It includes a 48% reduction in mackerel quotas to protect future stocks.’
Dominic Rihan of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation highlighted the local impact.
‘Mackerel underpins key ports like Killybegs, Rossaveal, and Castletownbere. This deal secures important fishing opportunities for the autumn. It protects jobs at sea and onshore in Killybegs,’ he said.
‘But we still need a long-term agreement to protect our fishermen and the mackerel stock.’
John Lynch of the Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation warns of rising costs, stating that ‘his deal is important. Ireland holds the largest EU mackerel share for good reason. But fuel costs have doubled in the last fortnight, so many vessels are facing real viability challenges. The Minister must now push for targeted EU supports, particularly for the whitefish fleet.’
The deal is a step forward, not a full solution, according to Aodh O’Donnell.
‘This agreement stabilises the fishery. It reflects strong advocacy and effective political engagement. But the imbalance remains. Ireland cannot continue with less than 6% of EU quotas. We need a fair, long-term review of the Common Fisheries Policy so that Ireland gets our fair share. That must be the next priority.’
