Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness has been appointed Chair of the newly formed Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.

The Waterford TD is also his party’s spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht. 

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald announced Sinn Féin’s seven Committee Chairs, with four men and three women appointed to these key Oireachtas roles.

Deputy McGuinness said: “I am a strong advocate for coastal communities, the fishing industry and for the wider maritime sector, and this appointment reflects my deep engagement and interest in these issues, here in Waterford and all around Ireland’s coastline. Sinn Féin has long advocated for the establishment of an Oireachtas Committee dedicated to fisheries and marine issues. This is a new committee and my vision is for a committee that listens to the sector, that holds the Minister and his Department to account, and that advocates for Ireland’s coastal communities and for our neglected fishing and maritime industries.”

He continued: “This is a crucial time for Ireland’s fisheries and marine sector. Coastal communities like ours in Waterford depend on a thriving fishing and maritime industry. As Chair, I will ensure their voices are heard at the highest level. I will champion inshore fisheries and the wider industry. Successive Governments have failed to negotiate fair quotas for Ireland and I believe this needs to be examined. Ports and harbours need to see real investment, and in particular local authorities need to be supported to dredge and maintain smaller fisheries harbours such as Cé Heilbhic.”

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