Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister will be aware, while many fish farms are welcomed by the communities in which they are situated, there have been concerns expressed about others. The Minister will be particularly aware of the proposal, supported by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, to allow a €60 million project to proceed in Galway Bay. While there is support for the project, particularly from the local processing sector, the project has also led to considerable opposition from some quarters, including those engaged in traditional fishing, who are concerned about the impact which the farmed fish will have on wild stocks. I also understand that Inland Fisheries has expressed its reservations.

Before a decision is made by the Minister I hope that we have a much wider debate on the proposal, one that involves all of the relevant bodies, groups and businesses which will be impacted if the farm goes ahead as currently proposed. The debate should include not only the relevant State authorities, but also the presentation of evidence from people concerned at the possible impact on wild stocks, a concern they say is based on research pertaining to similar fish farms in other countries. It is vital that such evidence is considered, as any depletion or contamination of wild stocks would have a detrimental impact on already existing fishing enterprises and on tourism and domestic and overseas anglers.

I am not opposed to fish farms and there are many instances where they have had a positive impact on local communities and have brought jobs. However, I have concerns over large projects and the impact they might have. I also understand there has been a suggestion that the project could be based onshore rather than in the bay and I wonder if any consideration has been given to that. I hope the Minister takes all of the concerns on board and that there is a fuller debate. What is required is a debate between the industry, the traditional fishermen and the scientists on the experience in other countries, such as Norway, Chile and Scotland, because this is a very contentious issue, particularly in Galway Bay.

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