Coveney green lights contentious algae farm

Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney is on another collision course with residents of Bantry after he approved a fish farming licence for a company seeking to cultivate native seaweed in the West Cork bay.

Up to 18 objections were lodged against the development of the native macro algae farm at Gearhies, but the minister gave the project the green light.

His decision has now been appealed with up to 36 residents objecting to the six-hectare development by the Sheep’s Head-based Daithi O’Murchu Marine Research Station Ltd.