Irish politicians urged to replace out-dated aquaculture laws
Licensing rules are no longer fit for purpose, say seafood farmers
Fish and shellfish farmers in the Republic of Ireland have called on the government to urgently reform a licensing system that “is no longer fit for purpose”.
Finian O’Sullivan, chair of the Irish Farmers’ Association’s aquacuture division (IFA Aquaculture), made the request to members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, which is comprised of members from both houses of the Republic’s parliament - the Dáil Éireann and the Seanad Éireann.
O’Sullivan said that while Irish aquaculture provides thousands of jobs and delivers significant economic value, its growth is being held back by licensing delays, outdated legislation, and barriers to investment.
Some renewals have been waiting up to 20 years, which is completely unacceptable if we are serious about sustainable food production and rural employment
“Aquaculture is a cornerstone of Ireland’s coastal economy, supporting coastal communities and providing jobs directly and indirectly. But progress is being strangled by a licensing system that is no longer fit for purpose. Some renewals have been waiting up to 20 years, which is completely unacceptable if we are serious about sustainable food production and rural employment.”
IFA Aquaculture said the sector produces 38,500 tonnes annually, valued at €211 million, providing essential employment opportunities for rural coastal communities with almost 2,000 direct jobs and over 15,000 indirect jobs in seafood processing and marine ancillary services sectors. Gross value added (GVA) to the Irish economy in 2024 was estimated at €73m.
Enormous potential
With reform and investment, the IFA estimates the sector could generate significant investment opportunities in combined direct and indirect value, creating hundreds of new jobs in coastal and island communities.
“This is a sector with enormous potential. With the right policy and legislative framework, we can significantly increase its value to the economy and deliver real benefits for rural Ireland,” O’Sullivan said.
IFA Aquaculture has urged the government to introduce a single piece of legislation to replace the current patchwork of laws and regulations governing Irish aquaculture. This would underpin a clear, efficient, and transparent framework for sustainable aquaculture development.
Aquaculture Act
“It is now critical that a single Aquaculture Act is brought forward to bring together all existing laws and provide certainty for farmers, investors, and communities. This must be a national priority for [fisheries and marine minister Timmy Dooley] and his department.”
IFA Aquaculture concluded that reform must be made a national priority if Ireland is to achieve the targets of the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development 2030 and the Seafood Development Programme 2021-2027.
