Ireland's aquaculture applications 'could take 55 years to be decided'

Ireland’s aquaculture permitting system is so slow that it will take more than 50 years to determine those applications currently in the system, a sector leader has warned.

Opening the annual general meeting of the aquaculture division of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA Aquaculture) in Athlone today, Finian O’Sullivan highlighted the deep frustration among the sector on the lack of progress in dealing with the aquaculture licensing process.

“IFA Aquaculture has consistently highlighted that considerable investment, and appropriate legislative changes will be required to address the current difficulties in the aquaculture licensing process,” O’Sullivan, chair of IFA Aquaculture, said to an audience that included Ireland’s fisheries and marine minister Timmy Dooley.

55-year wait

“Responses to a number of recent Parliamentary questions revealed the stark reality of the lack of progress currently in the aquaculture licensing system – if the current level of progress continues it will be 55 years before remaining licences awaiting decisions are determined. No sector could accept or sustain such a prospect.

“Legislative reform is essential to move the sector forward and create certainty for the next generation – these matters were made clear to the Minister recently. IFA Aquaculture is a member of the Food Vision Seafood Taskforce and we will work to ensure that the current challenges of the aquaculture licensing system, legislative reform and grant-aid eligibility are addressed urgently by the Taskforce and highlighted to Government at the highest level.”

'We can make progress'

Dooley also addressed the meeting, stating: “I firmly believe the aquaculture sector has the ability to build and maintain its competitive edge into the future and I believe that through maintaining a strong working relationship, supported by my department’s continued investment, we can make real progress in the sector.”

IFA Aquaculture also acknowledged the level of engagement by Dooley with the Irish aquaculture sector directly over the past year, and his show of support for the sustainable development of Irish aquaculture.

€180m sector

Irish aquaculture is worth €180 million (£156m) to the Irish economy, providing 1,800 direct jobs and contributing to 8,500 indirect jobs in the seafood sector, sustaining coastal communities.

IFA Aquaculture is currently engaged with all aspects of the work of the Food Vision Seafood Taskforce to ensure that the Irish aquaculture sector is included as part of the package measures to address current challenges in the Irish seafood sector.

Delegates were also presented with an update on the European Union co-funded OPTIMA project as part of a National Info Day for the project. This European project focused on identifying, developing, and promoting good practices in mollusc aquaculture.

The project aims are to:

• Improve skills and knowledge within the aquaculture sector
• Support sustainable and efficient production systems
• Enhance cooperation between research, industry, and training providers
• Contribute to the environmental sustainability of marine ecosystems

Through collaboration between international partners, OPTIMA fosters innovation and capacity-building across the sector. The National Info Day contributed to strengthening the local aquaculture ecosystem, raising awareness of sustainable mollusc farming practices and supporting the professional development of stakeholders in the sector.