John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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2186. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the perceived failure to exclude large trawlers from coastal waters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41814/25]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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On 22nd July, Minister Heydon and I announced our intention to place certain restrictions on trawling activity by large vessels inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines.

From 1st October 2026, trawling activity (that is the operating of trawl or seine nets) by fishing vessels over 18 metres in length overall inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines will be prohibited. A limited total allowable catch of 2,000 tonnes of sprat will be permitted for vessels over 18 metres length overall inside the six nautical mile zone and inside baselines from 1st October 2025 to 30th September 2026 only. Over 18 metre vessels fishing for sprat during that period will require an authorisation to do so.

I am mindful of the opportunity that these measures will provide for our important small-scale fishers, and I am confident that it will help to re-establish links between local fish resources, local fleets and local economies. This Government has committed to maintaining support for our inshore sector in the Programme for Government and this decision helps to deliver on that promise. I also believe that these actions may provide wider ecosystem benefits, including for essential fish habitats.