An argument has broken out between Ireland and Scotland over fishing rights around Rockall in the Atlantic Ocean.
In a letter to Tanaiste Simon Coveney and Marine Minister Michael Creed, Cabinet Secretary For External Affairs Fiona Hyslop threatened “enforcement action”.
The Scottish government has said it will apply to any Irish vessel found fishing within 12 miles of the small island from this weekend.
Mr Coveney said: “We have never recognised UK sovereignty over Rockall and accordingly we have not recognised a territorial sea around it either.
“We very much regret that matters have reached this point.”
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Marine & Fisheries Pat the Cope Gallagher said it would be completely unacceptable for any restrictions to be put on Irish vessels fishing in waters.
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit irishmirror.ie/news.
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @IrishMirror - the official Irish Mirror Twitter account - real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook/irishmirror - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Irish Daily Mirror, Irish Sunday Mirror and irishmirror.ie.
