Waterford TD appointed chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs
Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness has been appointed chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs
Waterford TD Conor D. McGuinness has been appointed as chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.
The first-time Sinn Féin TD is to take the role in the newly formed committee, which leads national policy discussions on Ireland’s fishing industry, coastal communities, and marine sustainability.
Speaking after his appointment, Deputy McGuinness said he is a strong advocate for coastal communities.
"This is a new committee, and my vision is for a committee that listens to the sector, that holds the Minister and his Department to account, and that advocates for Ireland’s coastal communities and for our neglected fishing and maritime industries.
“This is a crucial time for Ireland’s fisheries and marine sector. Coastal communities like ours in Waterford depend on a thriving fishing and maritime industry.
"As chair, I will ensure their voices are heard at the highest level, said Deputy McGuinness.
The Déise TD said among his priorities on the committee are to negotiate fair quotas for Ireland, invest in ports and harbours like Cé Heilbhic and ensure proper oversight of offshore renewable energy projects.
“Our marine biodiversity and coastal environment must be protected from the effects of pollution and the destructive techniques of so-called super trawlers.
"In particular, I am keen that the committee will play a role in examining inadequacies in the state’s fisheries enforcement regime, and the environmental impacts of decades of underinvestment in sewage systems in coastal areas.
“Protecting lives at sea, policing our maritime resource, and securing our territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone are of critical strategic importance and are issues that I, the new committee, should consider and investigate.
"This means ensuring the Irish Coast Guard and Naval Service are adequately resourced and empowered to fulfil their missions and supporting our voluntary lifeboat and rescue services,” said Deputy McGuinness.
