A LOCAL VOICE IN EU POLITICS
THE FUTURE OF CAP AND COASTAL COMMUNITIES ALONG THE ATLANTIC SEA
“THIS is a wonderful opportunity to represent local people at the highest level here in the EU where policy is created and laws passed,” so says Councillor Jerry Lundy who was speaking at the most recent European Committee of the Regions ( CoR) meeting in Palma, Majorca
The Tubbercurry native delivered a presentation on the Atlantic Action Plan - a European Union initiative on the future sustainability of coastal regions - which is due to be finalised and adopted by early next year.
Fianna Fail Cllr Jerry Lundy addressed a crowd of 80 delegates from across Europe at the event last week, and his informative speech on the Atlantic strategy prompted much discussion.
He opened by thanking the host Francina Armengol, President of the Balearic Islands and said there were many similarities between the islands of the Mediterranean Sea and those in the Atlantic.
“My own country, Ireland is a true ‘ island nation’ trying to overcome the disadvantages of being an island economy, especially now as our closest neighbour, the United Kingdom is aiming to leave the EU.”
He drew on his own experience as a local representative in a small coastal county like Sligo and said: “The goal of my report would be to help coastal regions deliver smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Growth that would preserve our nature, keep the young families in our towns, villages and rural areas and help us create high quality jobs and not just any jobs.”
He outlined to the gathering in the University of Palma on the outskirts of the Majorcan capital how in Ireland the Atlantic ocean is considered a national asset.
“Our ocean supports a diverse economy with a vast potential to tap into a global marine market for seafood, tourism, oil and gas, renewable ocean energy and even new applications for health, medicine and technology,” he said.
“In addition,” he continued, “Our marine resources give us many non- commercial benefits including amenity, biodiversity and our mild climate. We have a strong and long maritime culture and tradition.”
Interestingly, he pointed out: “When we take our seabed into account, Ireland is one of the largest EU states, with a sea-
bed territory 10 times our landmass, and our coastline of 7,500km is longer than that of many European countries.”
He specifically mentioned that Ireland’s Atlantic coastline contains some of the largest and most valuable fisheries resources in Europe, has a thriving shellfish and seaweed industry, is one of the richest renewable resources in the world, supports a rich and diverse range of ecosystems, habitats and species and has a unique land and seascape.
He told members that it also offers spectacular tourism and leisure opportunities. Of course he made reference to the success of the Wild Atlantic Way and stressed that joint up thinking and an integrated approach between various Government departments and regional bodies has worked very well for the maritime industry in Ireland.
“Ireland has developed a whole of Government approach to managing our vast and diverse marine resources, identifying the Atlantic as a key element in our national recovery, generating significant jobs,” he said.
Using Ireland as a poster boy, Cllr Lundy spoke of the importance of sharing knowledge: “One of the key outcomes of the Atlantic Strategy must be how the regions and countries facing the Atlantic can learn from one another’s experiences and can contribute to common actions using the various EU funded instruments especially funding provided through national and regional programmes.”
He concluded that it was vital CoR in their recommendations to the EU defend the position of European coastal regions and suggested that increased research into opportunities in the marine sector is crucial.
“Most important of all we must identify the areas, industries, services and businesses in our coastal towns, villages, islands and ports along the Atlantic that need our help to improve or expand and then invest wisely to cause these communities to stay and prosper into the future.”