Local MEP backs calls for Norway to be banned from fishing in Irish waters

Ireland South MEP Kathleen Funchion has called for Norway to be banned from fishing in Irish waters.

The former Kilkenny TD backed calls by the Irish fishing sector for the ban, saying:  “Irish coastal and fishing communities have been neglected by successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments. What should be a thriving community and sector is presently on its knees due to the neglect and indifference by successive Irish governments.

“Every country has a responsibility to fish sustainably. Overfishing any fish stock destroys future catches.

“Unfortunately, we have seen too many times and especially since Brexit, reckless and unilateral quota grabs by Norway and other Nordic region states especially for mackerel stocks.”

Ms Funchion said she has met with representatives of coastal and fishing communities and “gave them a commitment that we have their back”.

The Sinn Féin MEP added: “I have written to the European Commission encouraging them to ban Norway from fishing in Irish waters. That is the call of the Irish fishing industry and I support it.

“We cannot stand back and watch third country states run roughshod over EU quota agreements. We will stand up for Irish fishing.”