Plans to significantly expand oyster and mussel farming across Lough Swilly are now open to public consultation, with a community meeting planned for this week in Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, this week.
Eight companies and individual operators have applied for permission to the Department of Agriculture to establish or renew oyster and mussel farms at 13 separate locations around Lough Swilly.
The applications cover roughly 750 acres and stretch from areas near Buncrana to Rathmullan and include a new cluster of oyster farms proposed off Manorcunningham.
Lough Swilly is both a special protection area and special area of conservation.
Meeting
A public meeting will take place at Trinity Court, Newtowncunningham, on 16 February at 7.30pm to outline the proposals and hear any concerns from the community.
Speaking on Highland Radio, Councillor Paul Canning explained that there are concerns around the regulation of the industry, citing Lough Foyle, where there has been significant expansion of shellfish farming in recent years.
Members of the public are being encouraged to make submissions before the consultation period closes.
All application documents can be viewed at Buncrana and Milford Garda stations, as well as online through the Department of Agriculture’s website.
The public consultation will remain open until 4 March 2026.
Plans to significantly expand oyster and mussel farming across Lough Swilly are now open to public consultation, with a community meeting planned for this week in Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, this week.
Eight companies and individual operators have applied for permission to the Department of Agriculture to establish or renew oyster and mussel farms at 13 separate locations around Lough Swilly.
The applications cover roughly 750 acres and stretch from areas near Buncrana to Rathmullan and include a new cluster of oyster farms proposed off Manorcunningham.
Lough Swilly is both a special protection area and special area of conservation.
Meeting
A public meeting will take place at Trinity Court, Newtowncunningham, on 16 February at 7.30pm to outline the proposals and hear any concerns from the community.
Speaking on Highland Radio, Councillor Paul Canning explained that there are concerns around the regulation of the industry, citing Lough Foyle, where there has been significant expansion of shellfish farming in recent years.
Members of the public are being encouraged to make submissions before the consultation period closes.
All application documents can be viewed at Buncrana and Milford Garda stations, as well as online through the Department of Agriculture’s website.
The public consultation will remain open until 4 March 2026.
SHARING OPTIONS