Bantry kelp harvesting to go ahead

Work on the country’s first large-scale kelp harvesting operation is due to commence on July 4.

It comes after Tralee-based BioAtlantis, the company behind the kelp harvesting operation for parts of Bantry Bay, issued a letter to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government earlier this month signalling its intention to begin harvesting in accordance with conditions of its Foreshore Licence. It will be the biggest harvesting operation of its kind in the country.

The plan to harvest kelp off the West Cork coast has been the subject of strong opposition from some locals and environmental campaigners. Just last month the Bantry Bay Kelp Forests Group secured a judicial review into aspects of the signing off of the licence.