Decision on salmon farm due in October

The board that rules on appeals regarding aquaculture licences has requested a string of new reviews before making any final decision on a proposed new salmon farm off Shot Head in West Cork.

The Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) has asked for a new environmental impact statement on the risk of sea-lice infestation and assessments regarding any potential impact on the otter, seal, and wild bird population in the area near Bantry. It said it could be next October before a final decision is made.

It follows the receipt of the report of the chairman of the oral hearing into the case, which centres on Marine Harvest Ireland (MHI), Ireland’s largest producer of farmed salmon.