KFO NEWS
  • Latest News
  • EVENTS
  • EVENTS
  • New Page
  • New Page

Barnier commits EU support to EUFA

9/25/2019

 
Picture

The EUFA delegation including Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation CEO, Seán O’Donoghue which met EU Chief Brexit Negotiator, Michel Barnier in Brussels

EU fisheries’ concerns highlighted to Chief Brexit Negotiator
​

​The Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation has expressed his confidence that EU Chief Brexit Negotiator, Michel Barnier, is unequivocally supportive and committed to working for the European fishing fleet as Brexit fast approaches. Seán O’Donoghue was part of a European Fisheries Alliance (EUFA) delegation which met Mr Barnier in Brussels this afternoon [September 25th].

Speaking following the meeting, Mr O’Donoghue said he was very pleased with the frank and very constructive exchange of views as well as Mr Barnier’s unwavering commitment to achieving a balanced Brexit agreement that lays the foundations for a strong future relationship.
“There is a deep appreciation by Mr Barnier and his team of the major issues facing the industry in both a “Deal” and “No-Deal” scenario,” said the KFO CEO.

“We emphasised that even if the withdrawal agreement and/or the political declaration were to be amended in this final phase, the close linkage between fisheries and the wider trade relationship is essential. Mr Barnier fully supported this linkage. Negotiating our future relationship in fisheries in the overall context of the Future Trade Agreement (FTA) is of paramount importance to maintain existing access to fishing waters and existing resource allocations and must therefore be addressed in the overall political context.”

Mr O’Donoghue continued: “Should Irish and other EU fleets be denied access to UK waters after midnight on October 31st next, there will be flash points all across Europe in the Irish Sea, North West of Donegal, off the South East Coast of Ireland, the English Channel and in the North Sea in scenes potentially reminiscent of the cod wars of the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘70s.

“Legal uncertainty at sea would have grave consequences for the sustainability of shared stocks. The current joint fisheries management framework is working and has greatly improved sustainability of shared species.”
“As a former French Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Michel Barnier understands all-too-well what could lie ahead”, concluded Mr O’Donoghue.

He stressed that it wasn’t too late to avoid a ‘no-deal’ Brexit and reiterated his assertion that the one industry which is completely and uniquely exposed to anything other than an orderly transition, is the Irish fisheries sector. Last year, our seafood industry was valued at €1.25billion employing more than 14,300 people with this economic footprint predominantly in rural, coastal locations.

ENDS
Further information:
Seán O’Donoghue
(087) 4196535

Comments are closed.

    KFO News

    The Killybegs Fishermans Organisation Ltd, we want to keep our members informed as to whats happening in the news for the KFO, and issues that effect you and  helping you stay up to date in one place.

    Archives

    October 2020
    August 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    August 2015
    September 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014

    Categories

    All

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.