Ireland praised for role in EU maritime policy

Ireland was today lauded for its critical role in proposing new EU-wide laws governing the oceans and seas.

European Commissioner Joe Borg said a green paper launching a one-year consultation on maritime policy had its roots in a conference in Galway two years ago.

He was speaking at the 30th Virginia Law of the Sea Conference at Dublin Castle.

Mr Borg said the green paper was designed to create intercontinental agreement on fisheries, coastal tourism, shipping and all other aspects of sea life.

"The idea behind this is to develop an all-embracing policy aimed at enhancing Europe's maritime economy in an environmentally sustainable manner," he said.

"The green paper calls for a collective and collaborative oceans strategy by decision-makers. It also seeks to involve people at all levels and from different maritime sectors and industries."

But the commissioner, with responsibility for fisheries and maritime affairs, said tough decisions lay ahead for member states if the EU was to hammer out a consensus.

"Both Ireland, and its Marine Institute in particular, have made significant contributions to the development of the green paper on a future maritime policy for the union," he said.

"In fact, the Galway Declaration agreed at the Eurocean 2004 Conference, hosted by the Marine Institute during the Irish EU presidency, proved to be one of the key factors stimulating our initiative to develop the green paper," he added.

PA