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

The granting of the salmon farm licence is against the wishes of a substantial number of local groups, including community organisations and fishing communities. The Minister referred to marine tourism but it is difficult to understand how this could ever benefit marine tourism. Campaigners, State agencies and businesses have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of such an industrial farm. Sea lice from salmon farms can have a significant and detrimental impact on sea trout and wild salmon. Officials from the Department have identified issues with the company involved, including overstocking farms and harvesting higher quantities of fish than permitted under the licence. Moreover, one of the Minister's predecessor, Deputy Creed, discounted a licence for a farm in Kerry.

I appreciate what the Minister said about reports and so on but he and I both know the reality of farming. Given what other countries are doing, it is difficult to understand why we are going in this direction. What will the Minister do for communities such as that in west Cork, who are deeply concerned about the economic and environmental impact of this salmon farm? Their only hope seems to be an expensive judicial review, which we have had to do so many times.

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