Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In December 2018, a transition period to a ban on vessels over 18 m trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone was announced. A significant part of the objective of this measure was to manage the fishing effort on sprat stocks, which are primarily targeted in inshore waters. However, this measure was the subject of extended legal proceedings, the outcome of which, received last year, is that the ban has been overturned, as we discussed previously.

As I set out in my response to Question No. 89 of 25 April 2024, I have held a new public consultation on a review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines. The consultation took place over a period of eight weeks and closed on Friday, 12 April. This consultation took place without prejudice, needless to say. The purpose of the consultation was to invite stakeholders and interested parties to advise me of their views on any changes to policy within the scope of this review. A large volume of submissions - in excess of 5,000 - was received. These submissions will be used to inform my review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines. My Department has commenced the analysis of the submissions. All relevant issues must be carefully considered before a decision can be made. I want whatever decision I make to stand up to all scrutiny and to make sure the decision stands the test of time and has impact.

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