Kinsale set to protest against mussel farm

(JJ Hurley)

Kinsale’s residents are set to unite on Friday,

June 13th against a proposed Mussel Farm in the town’s historic harbour.

The town’s folk will gather both on land and sea to protest at 6.30pm, near James Fort, to register their opposition to the granting of a licence to Woodstown Bay Shellfish Ltd to pursue the operation of a mussel farm in the inner harbour.

The news that the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine to award the licence to Waterford-based company has left many in the town dismayed, including local Cllr Marie O’Sullivan.

‘Disappointed, shocked, disgusted, there is just a whole load of adjectives that apply to this decision, gutted being the strongest one,’ remarked Cllr Marie O’Sullivan.

‘Look I do not understand how a licence can be granted from a ministerial department with no local consultation or engagement it’s just not right.’

Like many signing up to express their objection to the initiative, Cllr O’ Sullivan suggested it was the wrong choice for Kinsale.

‘It’s just not on, we have a fabulous harbour, and I am pro-business but some businesses are not good for the area and this business is not good for this area,’ she said.

‘We have a lot of water-based activities and businesses operating out of the harbour doing really, really, well and enhance the whole area and this could all be effected, if it takes place.’

Former town mayor, Michael Frawley (JNR), whose family business the White House Hotel has a respected reputation internationally, has seen the mussel farm dominate conversations in the town over the past week.

‘I have never seen anything unite the entire town quite like this, ever, ever,’ he said.

‘Some things may have come close, but this is the one thing everybody I have spoken to vehemently objects to,’ he said.’

Deputy Michael Collins, who has already brought the matter to the attention of the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, on the floor of the Dail, has also registered his objection to the project.

‘I have reiterated my strong opposition to the proposed mussel farm development in Kinsale Harbour,’ he said

‘I believe this plan is deeply flawed and I warned that the development would “destroy marine leisure and tourism activity in Kinsale – a jewel of the South West coast.

‘I highlighted overwhelming community opposition, referencing a recent public meeting attended by over 300 people and a petition signed by more than 2,700 individuals calling for the decision to be overturned.

‘In response, the Taoiseach stated that he had no authority to intervene in the matter, citing the statutory independence of the aquaculture licensing process and the completion of a public consultation process.

‘I expressed frustration at the Government's unwillingness to act, but the fight is far from over.’

Woodstown Bay Shellfish Ltd were asked for a comment

( Kinsale harbour site of proposed mussel   (Credit picture Jeremiah Hurley)