Radio Kerry: Kerry TD says fishing communities are being ‘deeply wronged’ as Tonn Nua surveys start
radio kerry — Deputy Michael Cahill has warned that Kerry fishing communities are being “deeply wronged” by the EU’s fish quota system, putting livelihoods in harbours such as Dingle and Kenmare at risk. He says legal action at European level is needed to protect inshore fishing jobs. At the same time, EirGrid will begin marine and coastal surveys for the 900 megawatt Tonn Nua wind farm off Waterford, with public consultations scheduled on April 14 at 10: 00am and 2: 00pm (ET).
Radio Kerry: What fishermen say and the legal push
Deputy Michael Cahill, Fianna Fáil TD, warned that fishing communities in Kerry are “deeply wronged” by the EU quota system and said fishermen in harbours like Dingle and Kenmare are “angrier than ever”. He framed the issue as one that threatens livelihoods and family incomes across coastal communities and called for legal action at European level to protect fishing jobs and coastal communities. He urged European authorities to acknowledge the pressure on inshore fishermen, stressing that any reduction in quotas has “serious knock-on effects along the Kerry coast. “
The TD emphasised that Ireland, described in his remarks as an island nation, should have greater access to its own waters rather than less, and he is actively calling for steps to shield local economies dependent on inshore fishing. His comments place the quota dispute at the centre of an emerging legal and political campaign intended to defend coastal employment.
Tonn Nua surveys and local consultations
EirGrid will commence marine and coastal surveys for Tonn Nua, a 900 megawatt wind farm planned off the coast of Waterford with an expected delivery date by 2033. Sinéad Dooley, Head of Public Engagement at EirGrid, said it is “imperative” that EirGrid hears from local communities as the project moves into the survey phase. The surveys will gather detailed data on seabed conditions, marine ecology and other environmental factors that will be used to inform project design.
Surveys will be carried out by Geodata company Fugro. A series of public consultations is planned across Waterford, Wicklow and Cork; on April 14, EirGrid representatives will be present at the Promenade, Tramore and Bunmahon Beach Car Park at 10: 00am and 2: 00pm (ET). Tonn Nua forms part of a pipeline of planned developments off the south coast, with three further projects anticipated, and the total build is hoped to deliver five gigawatts of renewable energy into the Irish grid on completion.
Paddy Phelan, CEO of the South East Energy Agency, framed the programme as a strategic asset for regional growth and investment, saying: “Over the next 25 years, there’s going to be €15-20 billion of capital expenditure in building out these projects, so that’s significant. ” He added, “We’re looking at this as not being jobs just for the next 20 years. We’re looking at this stimulating those large, heavy industries, if they choose to come here. “
What happens next
Both stories are likely to accelerate local engagement and political action. In Kerry, the push for European-level legal measures by Deputy Cahill will determine whether quota decisions are challenged formally and whether emergency supports for affected harbours are sought. For Tonn Nua, the immediate next step is the planned survey work and the April 14 public consultations at 10: 00am and 2: 00pm (ET), which will feed technical data and community feedback into project design.
As debates over coastal livelihoods and offshore development intensify, stakeholders from fishermen to energy planners will be watching how legal initiatives, survey results and consultation feedback shape decisions. The issues raised by Deputy Cahill and the start of Tonn Nua’s survey programme will remain central to coastal communities and regional economic planning in the months ahead, a point underscored in these developments covered by radio kerry.
