Minister McConalogue Must Pledge Meaningful State Support for the Irish Aquaculture Sector
IFA Aquaculture Chairman, Michael Mulloy has called on the Minister for Agriculture to pledge meaningful support for Irish aquaculture, in light of the impact of the Covid-19 crisis, the ongoing threat of ‘no deal’ Brexit and the urgent need for regulatory reform of the sector’s licensing system.
Ahead of IFA Aquaculture’s AGM Michael Mulloy said,” This has been a tough year for aquaculture producers. It is now almost six months since the EU Commission amended regulations to allow member states to redirect available EMFF funds in response to the Covid-19 crisis. Irish aquaculture, the shellfish sector, in particular, continues to be impacted by the ongoing market disruption with many shellfish enterprises at serious risk. Minister McConalogue must immediately redirect available EMFF funds as financial aid for the Irish aquaculture industry to support them in this challenging time”.
“The Minister must follow through on Programme for Government commitments to implement reform of the aquaculture licensing system. Aquaculture must align with the ongoing process of creating a marine planning framework. The sector needs the support of policymakers to achieve real, sustainable development to unlock the future potential of the industry. We look forward to discussing this with the Minister at our annual AGM tomorrow.”
IFA Aquaculture’s AGM will take place online for the first time this Thursday 22nd October with Minister Charlie McConalogue and IFA President Tim Cullinan in attendance to address IFA members.
