Ireland, UK Talk Marine Protection, Rockall, and Fishing Future

Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, has met UK counterpart Daniel Zeichner MP in London for wide-ranging talks on marine issues.

The pair discussed shared priorities, including offshore renewable energy, marine spatial planning, and Ireland’s plans to designate 30% of its seas as Marine Protected Areas by 2030.

Fisheries and seafood sector challenges were also high on the agenda, including biodiversity loss, growing competition for marine space, and the need for sustainable management of shared waters.

Minister Dooley raised Ireland’s wish to find a practical solution on the ongoing Rockall issue, where engagement with Scottish and UK officials is continuing.

Both sides welcomed progress made in rebuilding fish stocks and stressed the need to continue close EU-UK cooperation, especially on vulnerable stocks in the Celtic Sea.

With Ireland set to take over the EU Council Presidency next year, Minister Dooley said key marine and fisheries files—such as the review of the Common Fisheries Policy and Vision 2040—will be high on the agenda.

“It was a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties with the UK and advance areas of mutual interest,” Minister Dooley said after the meeting.