Coveney frustrated over aquaculture delays caused by EU rules

NO fish farming licence has been issued in Ireland for two years — even though there are 520 applications.

“We are being required by the European Commission to put a gold plated system in place for aquaculture licensing,” said Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, the Marine and Food. “Practically every harbour on the island has been designated a special area of conservation.”

He described the licensing process as “incredibly frustrating, arduous and expensive”. With one or two exceptions, such as Bantry Bay, the majority of the bays appropriate for aquaculture are special areas of conservation.