Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has predicted that water resources will become a major political issue.
On RTÉ's Seascapes programme last night, Mr Kenny said the marine sector had been neglected in Government policy.
The Fine Gael Leader said that current policy needs a sharper clarity and focus.
He said water resources must be protected for future generations.
Mr Kenny expressed concern about the problems in the fishing industry and the consequent loss of jobs in major ports such as Killybegs.
He said the difficulties for the industry were a wider problem than just in Ireland alone, but coastal communities must be protected and preserved.
Fine Gael policy in government, he said, would be to restore a Department of the Marine, because there was potential in the maritime sector.
Seafood strategy group set up: Department
Mr Kenny said Ireland had only just 'broken the surface' of what could be achieved.
In reply, the Department of the Marine said that a three-man strategy group had been established to come up with a seafood development strategy.
The department also said that €45 million had been allocated to decommission a quarter of the whitefish fleet while €50 million had been spent on Killybegs and other major works in various ports around the country.
