Dooley Meets Pelagic Industry in Killybegs Over Stock Crisis

“This sector has shown resilience in the face of continued challenges over recent years as well as demonstrating a commitment to sustainable fishing.”

The Minister acknowledged that Ireland has consistently raised the issue of overfishing by non-EU coastal states, which continues to undermine the sustainability of shared pelagic stocks. “Ireland has raised the overfishing of key pelagic stocks by some coastal states outside the EU repeatedly over recent years, and I will continue to highlight this critical issue for our fishers and engage intently with the European Commission and other Member States on possible actions to protect our stocks,” he said.

Further Stakeholder Engagement Planned

Minister Dooley confirmed that further engagement with industry representatives will take place on 8 October as part of the Department’s consultation process for the annual Sustainability Impact Assessment. That meeting will provide an opportunity for fishermen, processors and other stakeholders to discuss the ICES advice and other major challenges currently facing the sector.

“The Programme for Government emphasises the valuable role of fisheries in the future of our country and the communities that rely on this activity for their livelihood,” Minister Dooley said. “I look forward to engaging further with stakeholders at this critical time, to ensure that their interests are robustly represented at domestic, European and international level.”

The Killybegs meeting marks the Government’s first formal response to the ICES advice and comes amid growing anxiety within the fishing and processing sectors over the potential economi

c fallout.