Online petition challenges Lough Swilly oyster farm plan
Application to renew oyster licence among 13 aquaculture bids under consideration
An online petition objecting to an application for a marine aquaculture licence for an oyster farm at Stragill near Buncrana has attracted more than 1,500 signatures since it was launched earlier this month.
A formal public consultation is under way and runs until 4 March in relation to the proposed farm, which is one of 13 applications for oyster and mussel farming on Lough Swilly currently being considered by the Department of Agriculture.
Derek Diver, from Clonmany, is seeking permission to renew a licence to farm oysters on 12,600 trestles at a 17-hectare (42-acre) site on Stragill Strand, north of Buncrana. An oyster licence was previously granted to Mr Diver by the Department in 2014.
In an application submitted to the Department in August 2024, Mr Diver applied to cultivate Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in bags. He estimates annual production of 70 tonnes in year one, rising to 450 tonnes annually by year five.
The petition, hosted on the Uplift.ie website, states that the application should be refused in order to maintain Lough Swilly as one of Donegal’s most valuable natural assets.
“Any development of this scale must clearly demonstrate that it will not harm the environment, public safety or the long-term character of the area,” the petition states. “At present, that has not been convincingly shown.”
Among the concerns raised are the disturbance and loss of feeding habitat for birds, the further spread of non-native oysters in the lough, the failure by the Department to assess the cumulative environmental impact of multiple aquaculture sites on Lough Swilly, and the visual impact on a scenic coastline.
Concerns about potential damage to fragile sand dune systems along the shoreline from increased activity, and the dispersion of debris associated with aquaculture operations, are also highlighted, along with issues relating to public safety, navigation and environmental protection measures.
The Department of Agriculture is running a public consultation on this and each of the other applications. Documents relating to the proposals are available at Buncrana and Milford Garda stations, and online in the consultation section of the Department’s website. Written observations can be made by post or email up to 4 March.