Irish fishing group to meet Russian ambassador
Planned Russian artillery drills have ignited a storm of controversy and have been criticised by Taoiseach Micheal Martin.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Representatives of the Irish fishing industry will meet with the Russian ambassador on Thursday amid an ongoing row about navy exercises off the Irish coast.
The Russian artillery drills at the start of February will take place in international waters but within Irish-controlled airspace and the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
However, the drills have ignited controversy and have been criticised by Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who branded them “not welcome”.
Fishermen have also raised their own concerns and will meet with the Russian ambassador to Ireland Yury Filatov on Thursday.
He is not meeting with the Taoiseach, the Tanaiste or the Minister for Foreign Affairs. He is meeting with us to discuss it. I think that's huge
Patrick Murphy chief executive of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation, said it was a significant step to be invited to a meeting with the ambassador.
He said that the group wanted Russian navy exercises to move away from the fishing grounds used by Irish boats.
“It is not like we’re going to disrupt them. They disrupt us,” he said.
“We want them to move away from the fishing grounds.”
In compliance with legal requirements, Russia informed Ireland’s aviation authorities of the planned activities in advance.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said there would be no impact on the safety of civil aircraft operations.
Mr Filatov this week insisted that the naval exercises, coming amid ongoing tensions at the Ukraine-Russia border, are a “non-story”.
Mr Murphy said it was a “huge” step to secure a meeting with the ambassador and it signalled progress for the group.
“He is not meeting with the Taoiseach, the Tanaiste or the Minister for Foreign Affairs. He is meeting with us to discuss it. I think that’s huge.”