New Brexit Deal Secures Irish Fishing Rights in UK Waters Until 2038

By Aaron Joyce | L.T.T Media | May 19, 2025

In a major post-Brexit breakthrough, a new EU–UK agreement will allow Irish fishing vessels continued access to British waters until 2038, offering long-awaited relief for Ireland’s coastal communities and seafood industry.

The deal — finalized over the weekend in Brussels — also includes a new veterinary protocol that aims to reduce red tape and friction in the trade of agricultural goods between Ireland and Great Britain, especially across the Irish Sea.

What’s in the Deal?

Under the agreement:

Irish trawlers will retain access to specific UK zones vital for mackerel, haddock, and whitefish stocks.

The deal guarantees quota stability through 2038, with an option to renegotiate in 2034.

A streamlined food safety framework will ease border checks on meat and dairy shipments.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said the agreement was "a vital win for Ireland’s coastal economies," noting that more than 4,000 Irish livelihoods directly depend on access to these fishing zones.

“This gives long-term certainty to a sector that has endured years of anxiety and political football since the Brexit vote,” he said.

Industry Reacts: Relief, But With Caution

Irish fishing cooperatives cautiously welcomed the news.

John Nolan, chair of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation, told L.T.T Media:

> “It’s the first time in years we’ve been given a bit of breathing room. Now we need to see those quotas respected and enforced.”

He also stressed the importance of cooperation with the UK Coastguard and EU fisheries monitoring to avoid future flashpoints.

However, some in the industry remain skeptical. Fishermen in Donegal and Kerry say past Brexit promises weren’t fully honored — and that any deal must come with strict enforcement guarantees.

Veterinary Deal Also Significant

While the fishing access made headlines, the veterinary side of the deal could prove just as impactful — particularly for dairy exporters and agri-food businesses in border counties.

By harmonizing sanitary checks and veterinary standards, Irish businesses shipping goods to Northern Ireland and Britain are expected to see reduced delays, paperwork, and spoilage risks.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue called it “a big step toward normalising trade conditions” post-Brexit.

Looking Ahead

The full text of the deal will be published later this week, with implementation expected by autumn 2025. EU Commissioner for Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius said the agreement "proves that constructive EU–UK cooperation is still possible."

For Ireland’s fishing and farming sectors, this marks a critical — and overdue — moment of clarity after years of geopolitical uncertainty.