Conference is about fishermen having their voices heard – Ní Riada

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has announced details of the international conference on fisheries that she will host in Co. Waterford this weekend.

Speaking from Brussels this afternoon Liadh called on fishermen from around the Irish coast to make their voices heard on fisheries policy.

She said;

“This conference is about Irish fishermen having their say on fisheries policy at a European and national level. I am calling on all those with an interest in the future of the fishing industry to come to Dungarvan this weekend and have their voices heard.

“The conference is open to all, and I have arranged for three major discussion sessions, which look at fisheries regulation and its impact on fishing, at how we can work to add value to the industry at home, and how fishermen can ensure their needs are heard at Governmental and European level.

“Under the heading ‘Sustainable Fishing without Criminalising Fishermen’ I hope to hear the views of fishermen on how best we can manage a shared resource so that our fish stocks and our fishing industry both a sustainable future. Fishermen are the natural custodians of our seas, and it is in everyone’s interests that we protect our fish stocks without endangering our fishermen. The conference will hear from eminent marine biologist and president of the International Committee on the Exploration of the Seas Dr. Paul Connolly and Simon Collins of the Scottish Federation of Fishermen, as well as from Irish industry representatives, fishermen and environmentalists.

“A session on economic diversification and adding value will include contributions from BIM’s head of Innovation and Business Development Donal Buckley, Trudy McIntyre of the South East Fisheries Local Action Group based in Dunmore East, and Frank Fleming who has spearheaded the Responsible Irish Fish branding initiative.

“The conference will be addressed by Sinn Féin’s Agriculture and Fisheries Minister in the Northern Executive, Michelle O’Neill and by the party’s Dáil spokesman on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Ferris TD, who will outline Sinn Féin’s priorities for a rejuvenated fisheries sector.

“The final session of the day will focus on fishermen from every section of the Irish coastline discussing how best to work together to ensure a reinvigorated and sustainable fishing industry remains on the political agenda following the general election.

“The conference takes place in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford this Saturday 24th October, from 9am. All are welcome, and I would encourage fishermen to turn up and ensure their voices are heard.”