MEP Nina Carberry is calling on those living in the coastal areas of Galway to have their say as part of the EU’s public consultation on a new strategy for coastal communities.
The MEP for Galway, who serves as Vice Chair of the European Parliament’s Seas, Rivers and 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 1,600km of coastline, Galway is uniquely positioned to contribute to this consultation”, MEP Carberry said.
In Galway, the tourism sector generates more than €600 million each year. While Galway Port and Ros an Mhíl are key drivers of growth and jobs.
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 Galway’s coastal communities to shape the future direction of EU policy,” Carberry said.
Carberry, who is Ireland’s only sitting MEP on the European Parliament’s Budget Committee, recently supported moves in the Parliament to increase the EU’s Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund to at least seven billion euros.
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 Galway to engage with the consultation and ensure their voices are heard.
