Mayo to have its say on future of coastal communities – MEP

MEP Nina Carberry is calling on those living in the coastal areas of Mayo to have their say as part of the EU's public consultation on a new strategy for coastal communities, which was launched today.

The MEP, who serves as vice-chair of the European Parliament’s Seas, Rivers & Islands Intergroup, has welcomed the new EU initiative.

However, she stressed that it is now crucial to hear directly from coastal regions on their views on supporting tourism, renewable energy, sustainable fishing, and how best to connect the area to the EU’s future regional development policy.

“With more than 1,100 km of coastline, Mayo is uniquely positioned to contribute to this consultation,” MEP Carberry said.

In Mayo, the tourism sector generates more than €300 million each year.

The MEP said that as part of the feedback process, respondents should outline the main challenges faced by coastal communities, and in particular comment on which EU rules and regulations are working well and which are not.

“This is an important opportunity for Mayo's coastal communities to shape the future direction of EU policy,” Carberry stated.

As Ireland’s only sitting MEP on the European Parliament’s Budget Committee, MEP Carberry recently supported moves in the parliament to increase the EU’s Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund to at least €7 billion.

This proposal would see funding ring-fenced to focus on fleet renewal and modernisation, as well as promoting generational renewal within the fisheries and processing sector.

Carberry encouraged individuals, community groups and stakeholders across Mayo to engage with the consultation and ensure their voices are heard.