Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries Timmy Dooley has emphasised the importance of sustainable fishing and aquaculture as he attends the Agrifish Council in Luxembourg today alongside Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon.
The Council will include discussions on sustainable fishing in the EU and next steps following the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy, as ministers exchange views on the future direction of the sector.
Fisheries Central to Ireland’s EU Presidency
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Dooley said: “The sustainable development of fishing and aquaculture is key to the future of our rural and coastal communities. Ireland’s Presidency will advance discussions on how to ensure our seafood sector remains competitive, resilient and equipped to meet future challenges.”
Ireland will assume the Presidency of the EU on 1 July, with fisheries expected to feature prominently, particularly in advancing policy discussions and shaping the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Ireland Preparing to Take Leadership Role
Also attending the meeting, Martin Heydon acknowledged the work of Cyprus in holding the current EU Presidency and outlined Ireland’s approach as it prepares to take on the role.
He said: “As the next Presidency, Ireland is conscious of the responsibility that will come to us shortly. We will seek to build on the work of Cyprus, and to approach our Presidency in a spirit of partnership, listening and cooperation.”
Heydon added that Ireland would aim to “support farming and fishing families, protect incomes, strengthen competitiveness, sustain rural and coastal communities, and strike the right balance between the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainability.”
Agriculture Discussions Also Scheduled
The Council will also address post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy proposals and market challenges facing the EU agricultural sector.