‘Complex’ law hindering fish-farm appeals body

The body that hears appeals against the granting of licences for fish-farming has said “increasingly complex” policy and laws on the environment are having a “significant” influence on how it deals with cases.

The 2016 annual report for the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board received just one appeal in 2016, but received 15 the previous year, of which 14 related to a proposed fish farm off Shot Head, near Bantry, Co Cork.

Late last year, ALAB asked for a new environmental impact statement on the risk of sea-lice infestation and assessments on the otter, seal, and wild bird population in the area near Bantry, in relation to that appeal. It said it could be next October before a final decision is made.