Plans for a dedicated junior minister for the marine have been included in the new Programme for Government.
The programme published last week by a coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and independent TDs commits to a number of measures under “marine and fisheries” and “coastal communities” sections in the document.
It commits to “re-establish a Minister of State for Fisheries/Marine who will work closely with the Cabinet minister, and publish a five-year fisheries sector strategy that will include an examination of the processing sector.
It promises to “continue to support and promote improvements in fisheries and aquaculture”; “examine incentives for fishers to land their catch in Irish ports”, to support domestic processing; and “fight at EU level for Common Fisheries Policy reforms that ensure fairer quotas for Irish fishers and [that give] due recognition to the proportion of fish species caught in Irish waters”.
It commits to promoting the sustainability of fish stocks, while “ensuring sufficient supply of species to allow fishers into the future derive a fair return”, and to “liaise with fishing stakeholders and request that Revenue examine the current tax allowances for the sector and bring forward recommendations on how the taxation system can further support its progression”.
Further promises include:
- exploring “fleet adjustment measures and considering any changes, given the ever evolving scientific advice on fish stocks”;
- supporting the Seafood/Offshore Renewable Energy Working Group in “providing an important bridge to facilitate discussion on issues arising from the interaction of these sectors, and to encourage open dialogue between stakeholders”;
- defending Irish fishing interests ahead of the 2026 review of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and in discussions on third countries;
- working at EU level to increase support to the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund;
- and ensuring the promotion of marine education courses and degree programmes “with a view to increasing enrolments”.
Under the “Coastal communities” section, the programme promises to ensure “the diversification of coastal economies” and establish “new openings beyond traditional industries”; and “support coastal communities towards benefitting from the development of offshore renewable energy projects”.
It commits to “review and strengthen conservation measures for marine ecosystems and wildlife”, and “expand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)and establish wildlife sanctuaries”.
It promises to “continue to support the sustainable development of our aquaculture sector and modernise and streamline aquaculture licensing in the State through legislation changes”; and to “set up a Maritime Regeneration, Development and Conservation Fund”.
It says this fund will support harbours, marinas, and tourism development as well as “actions to address coastal erosion”.
It commits to liaising with Fáilte Ireland to launch a Marine Tourism Strategy which “will be aimed at drawing domestic and international tourists to our coastal villages”.
It promises to “market eco-tourism by providing support to wildlife activities such as whale and dolphin watching”, and “safeguarding marine species while expanding the tourism industry”.
And it promises to “establish initiatives that will protect our maritime cultural heritage”.
Fianna Fáil coastal communities spokesperson Christopher O'Sullivan has welcomed dedicated commitments to the coast as part of the Programme for Government.
The Cork South West TD says he has “long campaigned for further funding for coastal infrastructure improvements”.
"As a native of Cork South West, the coast is hugely important to me," O'Sullivan said.
"That's why I'm delighted that the draft Programme for Government includes plans for a dedicated junior minister with responsibility for marine and fisheries as well as a dedicated coastal infrastructure fund,”he said.
"It is absolutely vital to have a coastal infrastructure fund in the Programme for Government. There are piers, harbours, marinas and pontoons across Ireland that are old and are in dire need of upgrading and improvement. Now we will have an opportunity to invest in the upgrade of this infrastructure thanks to this fund,”he said.
"It is good news for marine leisure, marine tourism and the fishing sector. It will also improve access to the mainland for our islanders,”he said.
"The establishment of a Minister of State for Marine and Fisheries is also hugely welcome. The fishing sector has endured serious challenges in recent years. It's important as an island nation that we refocus our efforts on this unique and important industry,”O’Sullivan said.
