Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher has advised residents and interested parties to have their say and make submissions to the Department of the Marine following the decision to open the bay around Cruit Island for expression of interests for oyster farming.
His comments come following a face to face meeting with Minister Michael Creed on the matter, on foot of numerous calls of concerns from local residents of the Cruit Island and Kincasslagh area.
Pat the Cope was informed by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Marine that the department will receive public submissions regarding the Cruit Island application until the 17th of October.
He said it is extremely important that those who are concerned about the future of the bay surrounding Kincasslagh and Cruit Island make a written submission to the Department.
The process which was initiated by the Minister opening the waters around Cruit Island for aquaculture, is now open to the general public to make their views known by way of submissions to the department.
The Donegal Deputy said it is essential that those who are concerned make the submissions by the 17th of October as failure to do so will mean they will be unable to further appeal the decision should the need arise.
“I appreciate full well the importance of the bay around Cruit Island to tourism, local residents and the community stated Pat the Cope.
“I am fully supportive of the local residents and their bona fide concerns regarding this application, it is in everyone’s interest to maintain the natural beauty and unspoilt nature of the area around Cruit Island.
“I will maintain the pressure on the Department of Marine and the officials throughout this public consultation process in order to ensure the public will have their say on this application.
“In the meantime I strongly urge the public to make the necessary submission to the department, to outline their concerns and to express their opinions about this application for an oyster farm in the waters around Cruit Island and Kincasslagh,” concluded Pat the Cope.
