Liadh for President
Liadh for President

Ní Riada to meet Commissioner to discuss threats to Irish Fishing Industry

Sinn Féin’s Ireland South MEP Liadh Ní Riada has welcomed an agreed meeting with European Commissioner Karmenu Vella following a request by Ní Riada to discuss the negative state of Irish fisheries, the existential threats to the livelihoods of native fishermen and their marginalisation by the government and the EU compared to their counterparts from larger member states.

Ní Riada, who is the only Irish member of the EU Fisheries Committee, said;

“We in Sinn Féin are happy with the positive response that we have received from Commissioner Vella following my letter requesting a meeting to discuss the current state of Irish fisheries.

“I have consistently made clear the substantial contribution which Ireland makes to the EU economy in terms of the value of the fish taken by other member states from Irish waters.

“It is unacceptable that Irish fishermen operating in Irish waters are at a massive disadvantage in comparison to other European fishermen both in terms of fishing opportunities and control and enforcement, especially within our own fisheries.

“The situation has reached a crisis point and unless we can come up with solutions, our fishermen will continue to suffer and decline.

“I welcome a productive meeting with the Commissioner Vella to shed light on what is happening here at home so that we can take the necessary steps to address these issues.”

Liadh will also raise issues relating to inland fisheries, including the eel fishery both North and South.

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