Diplomatic engagements continue over the long-running conflict between Scotland and Ireland on fishing rights at Rockall.
The uninhabited outcrop has been a historic fishing ground for generations of Irish fishers.
However, Brexit allowed the UK Government to put licences and restrictions on the licences for Irish boats going into its waters, including Rockall. The restriction has been disputed by the Irish government which is attempting to restore the rights.
The Guardian reports that new developments have been achieved in recent months that have given the Scottish government confidence in new arrangements under the Scottish/Irish bilateral framework. The deal has been described as one that will be “satisfactory for both sides”.
Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue said that Rockall has always been within the 200-mile zone of British waters, not Irish, but that he is engaging diplomatically to try to find a resolution to the blockade. He said the Irish government is contesting Britain’s claim on a 12-mile exclusion zone while Rockall is uninhabited.
Speaking the Dáil on Thursday, Minister McConalogue told Sinn Féin’s Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: “We have been working hard on this. It means a lot for our Greencastle fishermen and for the squid fishermen. We continue to engage to get access again to that traditional fishery that we would have fished.”
Inishowen T.D. Pádraig Mac Lochlainn says an estimated €7.7 million in landings of squid and other species have been lost to the Irish fleet every year. He said the issue lies with the British government.
“It is remarkable that the British Government has been outside the equation because this is a jurisdictional issue first and foremost. The Scottish Government merely implements the laws in terms of the marine space around Scotland. This is, therefore, a British Government issue. It is absolutely outrageous,” Deputy MacLochlainn said.
