Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The news that a salmon farm licence has been granted in Bantry Bay has been met with massive concern and frustration in west Cork. Locals, inshore fishers and tour operators are all worried about the negative environmental impact. The Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board based its decision on a report submitted by the company that was granted the licence. Will the Taoiseach ensure those documents are made publicly available? As he will be aware, there is a limited window for people to exercise their right to seek a judicial review. Time and again, communities in west Cork have had to raise large amounts and dedicate significant time to seeking a judicial review to right the wrong decisions made by Government. We are sick and tired of it. It is time the Government conducted a larger review on the role of this sector and its detrimental impact on local ecology and tourism. Last week, Argentina banned salmon farming altogether due to its massive environmental impact. How are we simultaneously granting new licences?

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