Ireland’s EU Presidency is putting the Ocean at the heart of Europe’s future - Dooley

 

Clare TD and Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, has said Ireland is using its Presidency of the Council of the European Union to ensure the ocean remains central to Europe’s environmental, economic and maritime future.

 

Speaking at the EU Ocean Act Conference in Wexford, Minister Dooley said the proposed EU Ocean Act presents an important opportunity to bring greater coordination to how Europe’s seas are protected, managed and sustainably developed, while supporting coastal communities and the blue economy. The proposed legislation aims to create a more integrated framework for maritime governance across the European Union by strengthening maritime spatial planning and bringing together environmental and economic objectives.

 

Minister Dooley said:

“As an island nation, Ireland understands better than most the importance of healthy, productive and resilient seas. Through our EU Presidency, we are determined to ensure that marine policy remains a European priority.”

 

“The EU Ocean Act offers an opportunity to better coordinate how we manage our shared marine resources while recognising the different maritime traditions and circumstances of each Member State. It is about protecting our marine environment while creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth.”

 

The Clare Minister from Tulla said the discussions were particularly relevant for counties like Clare, whose communities have a long history of fishing, seafood production, tourism, and maritime enterprise.

 

“County Clare stands to benefit from a stronger European focus on our oceans. From the Shannon Estuary and marine research taken place, our coastline presents enormous opportunities for sustainable economic development, job creation and investment.”