Ireland lashes out at Scotland as row over Atlantic rock erupts - 'We don't accept it!'

Ireland's deputy leader has demanded Scotland back down after the Scots threatened action if Irish vessels continue to operate in the zone around Rockall, a barren outcrop in the ocean. The Scottish government said it is defending the interests of its fisheries against "illegal activity" around the uninhabited islet, over which the UK claims sovereignty. Ministers said they received a letter from Fiona Hyslop, Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs, warning vessels will be deployed to take "enforcement action" against Irish vessels found fishing within 12 miles of Rockall from last weekend onwards.

However, the Irish government does not recognise the UK’s claim over the long-disputed territory located around 240 miles from the Scottish mainland, and Irish fishermen have said they have no intention of leaving the disputed waters.

Simon Coveney contended EU fishery grounds and the Common Fishery Policy applies to the area.

He said: "What we don't accept is that a very small rock constitutes a sovereign territory that can have a 12 mile fishing limit set around it, that is what the Scottish government are claiming and saying.

"We know how fisheries enforcement works, we do it well here through the Irish Naval Service and the SFPA.

"We understand how Scotland enforces the fisheries rules, so I think the less we talk about boardings and potential clashes the better.

"We need to take the heat out of this decision and look for solutions, that's what diplomacy is about.

"Scotland and Ireland are very close friends and we will work with them to try and bring an end to this, but what we won't do is change a policy which we have had in place for decades on the back of a threat."

Mr Coveney added: "I'm interested in resolving this.

"Don't confuse diplomatic language with weakness. We will support Ireland's fishing boats."

A Scottish government spokeswoman said: "Irish vessels or any non-UK vessels for that matter have never been allowed to fish in this way in the UK's territorial sea around Rockall and, despite undertaking extensive discussions with the Irish authorities on the matter, it is disappointing that this activity continues.

"There has actually been an increase in that illegal activity and, with the Rockall fishery season nearly upon us, it is our duty and obligation to defend the interests of Scottish fisheries and ensure compliance with well-established international law."

The Scottish government first raised the issue of access to the area around Rockall in 2017, according to the Irish government.