A public meeting has been called in order to halt the proposed development of an Oyster Farm at one of Donegal’s most beautiful locations.
Locals have been left stunned following the decision by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Marine Michael Creed to give the green light to the massive 12.5 Hectare Oyster Farm being developed on the beautiful strand on Cruit Island.
The proposed Oyster Farm will be erected in the backdrop of one of the most scenic photographs in Donegal.
Locals are furious that they were not consulted about the controversial project, and a public meeting will be held this evening at The Viking House Hotel, Kincasslagh.
Locals that organised the meeting are calling on the public to lend their support to stop what they’re describing as the ‘desecration of Cruit Island.’
A spokesman opposed to the project posted the following statement on Cruit Island Facebook page earlier this morning – with images of where the proposed development will be erected.
“This is one of the most iconic photograph locations in West-Donegal. And it appears that Minister Michael Creed (Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine) has taken it upon himself to ruin this view by approving an application by an Italian native – and Dublin resident – for a huge 12.5 Hectare Oyster Farm on the strand at Upper Cruit.
“At a time when we are trying to promote the Wild Atlantic Way to global audiences, a decision such as this to desecrate one of Donegal’s most beautiful beaches is astonishing.
“To make matters worse, it appears that NO EFFORTS WERE MADE TO CONSULT WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, other beach users, etc. Plain and simple – THIS IS WRONG.
“The area in questions stretches from just inside the bridge right on out the strand towards St.Mary’s Church and Oilean na gConra..
“The area in question is a very heavily used area with local fishermen, walkers, small boats, kayakers, wildlife enthusiasts, horse/pony club, etc. all using the beach.
I”s it the Minister’s responsibility to simply sign off on an application that allows one person to claim control of this community resource to pursue their own wealth?
“THIS IS OUR STRAND, EVERYBODY’S STRAND AND WE WILL NOT STAND FOR IT BEING DESTROYED.
“The argument for bringing wealth/employment to the locality cannot even be used in this instance as the proposal is for 2 part-time jobs managing the farm – and given that it is not a local proposing the development, what are the chances that a local would get any benefit from this development?
“We are proud of our island. That is why we set up this page. We clean the island once a month to make sure that it looks its best for visitors to our area.
“Do we want to stand by and allow the Government to approve the desecration of our strand? No. JOIN US BY SPREADING THE WORD AND LENDING WHATEVER SUPPORT YOU CAN.
“A meeting will be held in the Viking House tonight at 8pm to discuss the next steps for our community in responding to the Minister’s decision.
PLEASE SUPPORT.
More detail on the application is available on https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/…/aquacultureforesh…/donegal
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