Kinsale mussel farm planning
Deputy Collins objected to a proposed mussel farm off Kinsale, citing environmental and tourism concerns and calling for better planning guidelines. Minister Creed said he could not comment further because the application was still under consideration.
On page 47 of the programme for Government, under the heading of tourism, the Government promised to work towards achieving ambitious tourism policy goals by 2025. In Kinsale, which is one of Ireland's main tourism destinations, there is a planning application for a 65-acre mussel farm, requiring bottom dredging, off Kinsale Harbour. The people of Kinsale and I have serious environmental and tourism-related concerns. Kinsale is the starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Minister will say he cannot comment on planning issues but the Government can wake up and draw up new planning guidelines immediately to prevent the development of a 65-acre mussel farm off Kinsale Harbour or hundreds of acres of kelp harvesting off Bantry. This would protect sensitive areas that depend so much on tourism.
Comment on this
It is quite an interesting point to raise in the context of the representations made by Deputy Danny Healy-Rae on the planning process. Deputy Michael Collins is objecting to the possible granting of planning permission and Deputy Danny Healy-Rae is objecting to the-----
Comment on this
I asked about a mussel farm off Kinsale.
Comment on this
-----development. I hear the Deputy. I am not aware of the specific project but in light of the fact there is a planning application under consideration by my Department, it would not be appropriate to comment further.