Silence deafens fishermen over salmon farm licence application
Fishermen on Cape Clear island off the south coast of Ireland have challenged the government’s ‘inaction’ on their application for a salmon farm that would provide an ‘economic lifeline’.
Almost one year ago (February 19, 2019), islanders submitted an aquaculture licence and accompanying Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The EIS represents more than three years’ work and was partly funded by Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Cumann Iascairí Chléire applied to the Aquaculture Division of the department and received an acknowledgment.
“This really isn’t good enough. We’ve invested a lot of money, time and energy not to mention hope and genuine belief that there is something of potential real value which could save our island,” remarked secretary and islander, Duncan Harper.
“We look enviously at Clare island off the Mayo coast which has reaped huge dividends from an organic salmon farm and which keeps young people on the island to work and thereby preventing population decline.”
Economic opportunities are very limited on Cape Clear, apart from seasonal tourism.
“Why not make use of the wonderful sea resource which we have, grow protein-rich food in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner to safeguard our future.
“I have no doubt the benefits could be shared with our fellow-islanders on Sherkin and Hare too,” he added.
Acknowledging Cape Clear was not the easier place to live, Harper could not imagine living anywhere else:
“The people who live on the island do not believe that they are disadvantaged but they do recognise they face challenges unknown to those living on the mainland.
“If the population of a tiny island in the North Atlantic cannot get approval to grow fish, just what do the powers-that-be expect them to do?” he asks.
DAFM responds
‘The Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable national and EU legislation.
‘The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of Public and Statutory consultation.
‘All submissions received during the public and statutory consultation phase are considered during the licensing process.
‘The application and supporting documentation referred to are under consideration in accordance with the applicable legislation and a determination in respect of the application will be made as soon as possible following completion of the necessary assessment process.
‘The Applicant has been advised of the position relating to their application.’
