Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has backed calls from the European Parliament’s fisheries committee for the European Commission to activate emergency supports for the fishing industry, similar to those deployed during the 2022 energy crisis.
Her intervention comes as surging fuel prices place growing pressure on the sector. The recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East has driven sharp increases in fuel costs, significantly raising operating expenses for Ireland’s fishing fleet.
Ní Mhurchú warned that sustained price rises pose a serious threat to the economic viability of many vessels operating in Irish waters. If the situation persists, she cautioned, boats may be forced to tie up, with damaging consequences for jobs in coastal communities and for seafood supply across Ireland and the EU.
She has called on the European Commission to activate crisis instruments under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), and supported proposals from the fisheries committee to introduce exceptional market measures under the Common Fisheries Policy to offset the impact.
Speaking at the Fisheries Committee meeting yesterday, March 17th, Ní Mhurchú raised strong concerns that the proposed National and Regional Partnership Fund for 2028–2034 could undermine long-term support for Ireland’s fishing communities.
She warned that the €2 billion allocation is insufficient compared to the current EMFAF budget and risks failing those already hit hard by quota cuts and reduced time at sea.
Ní Mhurchú stressed that maintaining measures such as fuel allowances is essential in the short term, but above all called for stable, predictable, long-term funding to secure the future of the fishing sector. She emphasised that sustainable seas depend on sustainable livelihoods, urging a fund that delivers targeted investment, reduces bureaucracy, and reflects the realities of coastal communities.
ENDS:
