Ireland has never made any claims to Rockall, which is a small uninhabitable granite rock located approximately 160 nautical miles west of the Scottish islands of St. Kilda and some 230 nautical miles to the north-west of Donegal. Nor has Ireland ever recognised British sovereignty claims over Rockall and accordingly has not recognised a 12 nautical mile territorial sea around it either. This remains the position of the Government.
The Government has been in contact with the relevant Scottish and UK authorities on Rockall over recent years and intensively since the beginning of last year. Through this engagement, the Government is seeking to address the issues involved, reflecting the longstanding fisheries tradition in the area.
Both myself and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Coveney T.D., as well as our respective officials, continue to consider all options for further engagement on the issues involved and are working closely together. Our officials also remain in ongoing contact with the European Commission on all matters relating to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, including fisheries.
Minister Coveney met with his Scottish counterpart, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson on 9 March and discussed the issue of Rockall. They agreed to continue to prioritise this matter and to work together to seek to resolve outstanding issues.
