Clarity is sought over £360m fisheries deal

Clarity is sought over £360m fisheries deal

28 May 2025

LOCAL politicians are seeking clarity on a new £360m fisheries deal and its implications for the local industry.

The so-called Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund was agreed in the wake of an agreement between the British government and the European Union, but local politicians are keen to drill down into its detail.

And they are concerned that, under the deal, EU trawlers will have access to local waters for another 12 years.

South Down MP Chris Hazzard said the fund was for investing in new technology, equipment, fleet upgrades, training and skills and must target investment where it is needed and matters most.

He confirmed he has written to Secretary of State Hilary Benn to request confirmation and further detail on the investment opportunities outlined in the deal.

“Brexit has been disastrous for local fishermen and it’s vital that the Co Down fleet can access modernisation funds that were lost when the north was forced to leave the EU,” he said.

“The British government must set out clearly how coastal communities will benefit from the investment earmarked for new community facilities, improved transport links and long-overdue investment in fishing and marine apprenticeships.”

South Down MLAs Cathy Mason, Colin McGrath and Diane Forsythe commented on the new fishing deal.

Mrs Mason said Sinn Féin “stands firmly” with fishing communities in Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie.

“We are committed to protecting and properly resourcing our fishing fleets, ensuring that they are supported, sustainable, and ready for the future,” she said.

“Following the British government’s announcement, we will be writing to Agriculture Minister, Andrew Muir, to demand clarity and immediate assurances that he will fight for our fishing sector.”

Mrs Mason added: “Our coastal communities deserve support and a strong voice, and we will continue to stand up for them.”

The SDLP’s Mr McGrath said the Northern Ireland fishing fleets had been “left behind” and continued to be unable to access seasonal worker visas with any ease.

He said last week’s summit offered a “vital opportunity” to resolve post-Brexit labour shortages that continue to impact local fleets and processors.

He continued: “For another 12 years, EU vessels will fish in our waters with the advantage of a continent-wide labour market, while our local industry from Ardglass to Kilkeel, remains blocked from accessing the seasonal workers it needs to operate.”

Speaking at the Assembly, he pressed Mr Muir on whether these concerns had been raised in ongoing discussions. 

“The Minister acknowledged the urgency of the issue and noted that severe labour shortages affect not only fisheries, but also the agri-food, butchery, and mushroom sectors and expressed disappointment that, despite being invited to provide input into the UK Government’s immigration White Paper, the Northern Ireland Executive Office failed to respond,” the MLA said.

Mr McGrath said this was a “dereliction of duty”.

He added: “If we want to protect jobs and sustain local industries like fishing, we must make our voice heard where it matters. 

“It absolutely beggars belief as to why the Executive Office failed to submit a response to the UK Government’s immigration paper and I have tabled a question to our First Ministers to find out why.

“Having already invited Secretary of State Hilary Benn to visit Ardglass, I want to reassure our local fishermen and producers that I will do all that I can to support them now and into the future.”

The DUP’s Ms Forsythe labelled the decision to grant EU vessels 12 years of continued access to UK waters as a “huge blow for our fishing communities”.

She said the fishing industry was one of the strongest voices in the Brexit campaign calling for the UK to take back control of British waters.  

“The failure to deliver Brexit by the government has left the fishing industry incredibly disappointed and this ‘latest deal is yet another blow,” Ms Forsythe continued.

“In these negotiations it appears Labour has not prioritised the needs of our fishing communities and instead yielded to EU demands.

“The Prime Minister could have done more to protect local fishing business across the UK but has instead handed over continued access to UK waters.”

Ms Forsythe said this has caused “huge concern” to fishing communities in South Down, with Strangford MP Jim Shannon raising that concern directly with Prime Minister Kier Starmer.

She added: “We need to see urgent action from the Government to support the fishing industry to helps alleviate the consequences of this 12-year deal.”