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Displaying items by tag: Killarney

Anglers in Killorglin are appealing plans recently green-lit by Kerry County Council for a development of nearly 250 homes outside of Killarney.

As the Kerryman reports, the Laune Salmon and Trout Anglers’ Association says it “did not receive the regard it is supposed to get” in planners’ assessment of the proposed development at Cronin’s Wood, east of the Co Kerry town.

In their appeal to An Bord Pleanála, the anglers claim the development is lacking the appropriate infrastructure for wastewater treatment and express concerns over surface water run-off.

The angling association also claims that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening and Appropriate Assessment was flawed.

The Kerryman has more on the story HERE.

Published in Angling
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#Toxic - Pet owners have been advised to be vigilant over an outbreak of toxic blue-green ‘algae’ in a Killarney lake, as The Irish Times reports.

Lough Leane has been signposted by Kerry County Council over the presence of Cyanobacteria that has turned the waters a soupy pea-green colour.

A number of dogs died after exposure to the bacteria during a previous bloom on the lake shore in 2016.

Suspected similar cases have also been reported at Lough Mask as well as waterways further east, including Ballymore Eustace on the River Liffey.

Meanwhile, scientists at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology are preparing to use drones to test the water quality of lakes on the West Coast.

GMIT’s Marine and Freshwater Research Centre has secured €132,000 in funding from the EPA for the scheme that will allow for real-time feedback of camera images and data.

Licensed drone pilots will work with lake biologists and water scientists on the two-year project, part of Ireland’s mandate under the EU’s Water Framework Directive.

The Irish Times has more on this story HERE.

Published in Inland Waterways

#Rescue - It was an unexpected night outdoors for two kayakers who were stranded on an island in the Black Valley near Killarney after losing their paddles.

As the Irish Examiner reports, Valentia Coastguard were unable to mount a rescue by helicopter due to dangerous weather on Sunday night (2 November).

But the man and woman were provided with a tens and supplied by Killarney Lake Rescue and finally retrieved by the Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter yesterday morning.

Published in Rescue
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#rowing – Killarney Rowing Festival will celebrate the oldest regatta in the world and wonderful rowing tradition on the Lakes of Killarney, on Sunday 28th July, 2013, at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, Killarney, County Kerry. The Festival will host the World most coveted rivals, Oxford and Cambridge Boat Club.The unique event also co-insides with 'The Gathering Ireland 2013' a Tourism Ireland initiative honouring Ireland's Diaspora and historical and cultural links to Ireland. Killarney's tourism success owes much to the visit of Queen Victoria to Killarney in 1861.

The Annual KillarneyRegatta in now in its 228th year is the oldest traditional regatta in the World, steeped in history and raced on Lough Lein, one of the famous Lakes of Killarney. There are five remaining active clubs in the town and hinterland of Killarney, each operating from various boathouses along the shores of Lough Lein. The Clubs, namely, Muckross Rowing Club, Flesk Valley RC, Workmen's RC, Commercials RC, St Brendan's RC, and Fossa RC. The Type of boat is unique to the Lakes of Killarney and known as 'The Killarney Sixes' wooden in structure, wooden oar, fixed seat, the boats were originally designed and built by Salters in Oxford.

Both Oxford and Cambridge Boat Clubs were delighted to receive the invitation and will be joining the Killarney Rowing fraternity for the weekend. Flights to Kerry Airport, two nights accommodation, have been kindly sponsored by Tourism Ireland, with Killarney Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and Killarney Branch of the Irish Hoteliers Federation providing accommodation. The boats will be ready and waiting at the pier at O'Mahoney's Point, Killarney Golf and Fishing Club.

Speaking about the event, Festival Director Andrew Wharton commented " it's one of those classic events for Killarney, the perfect location and a wonderful way to celebrate our rowing tradition. The cultural links that have bound this sport together, with the famous Caseys of Sneem, the Great River Race in London which has been won by many Killarney Clubs. As a sport, rowing keeps getting more popular, especially with all clubs embracing many types of rowing, be it, coastal, sliding, gig and fixed seat racing. It means rowing continues all year round. It will be such a spectacle to see so much colour and life on Lough Lein. The Killarney people have welcomed the festival, their generosity is breathtaking. They know the importance of the heritage, History and of course the friendly rivalry that binds us all together..Oxford and Cambridge will definitely be having a fantastic time in Killarney"

The Festival will be a day of fun and celebration, and will see Oxford and Cambridge competing with the coastal boats of South and Mid Kerry and the most coveted race of the day, Killarney Rowing Clubs taking on the world's greatest rivals, for the famous 'Lakes of Killarney 'Salter's Cup' which was won the famous Casey Brothers of Sneem on three occasions in the 1920's and 30's.Noel Casey Stephen and Paddy Casey will be on hand to present the precious Cup. The first race of the day (11.45) is the Irish Universities v Oxford and Cambridge. There are 11 races in total, including U14/U16, boys and boys, open races, intermediate and senior races, in both Killarney sixes and coastal boats.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: "We are delighted that the Oxford and Cambridge boat clubs will travel here for the Killarney Rowing Festival, particularly in this special year of The Gathering Ireland. Since last year, Tourism Ireland has been promoting The Gathering Ireland extensively in Great Britain and elsewhere around the world, targeting millions of people who have ancestral links to Ireland, or those who have an affinity for the destination and all things Irish. Millions of people in GB have connections with Ireland and we are reaching out to them, encouraging them to come home for what is a truly special year."

A true spectacle on the day will be the site of 100 strong South Kerry men rowing The Seine Boat Race, unique to South Kerry. Historically the Seine Boat was used by fishermen to haul fish captured in floating nets. Seine Boats are timber built vessels with 12 oarsmen and a coxswain who calls out the stroke. The Regattas in South Kerry are held in Cromane, Ballinskelligs, Waterville, Valentia, Portmagee, Cahirciveen, Caherdaniel, Sneem,Over the Water, and Templenoe. The race is usually over eight grueling kilometers.The Seine Boat races are a true test of strength, endurance and team work.

During the weekend both Oxford and Cambridge crews will pay a visit to Muckross house for lunch and take a boat tour on lakes of Killarney, to showcase the famous scenery and landscape with an emphasis of the importance of Queen Victoria's historical trip to Killarney and Muckross in 1861. There will be an opportunity for the crews to visit Queen Victoria's Barge in the 'Old Boat House' at Muckross. A Civic Reception at The Lake Hotel, Killarney will be hosted by Killarney Town Council later that Saturday afternoon. Both crews will be free to savour Killarney's wonderful night life. All Rowing Clubs will be ready action on Sunday 28th at 10.00am at O'Mahoney's Point for a practice run on the 'Killarney sixes'.

Another Highlight of the Day will be The Tug O' War' competition - refereed by Henry Clifton, one of the greats in Rowing. clubs and organisations are being encouraged to enter teams for two great charities - Brendan Heffernan's Mercy Hospital Oncology Unit Fund and The Palliative Care Unit Kerry General Hospital. Brendan is Honorary Treasure of Workmen's Rowing Club and is receiving treatment at the Mercy Hospital, to date he has raised over €10,000.

The Killarney Golf and Fishing Club are delighted to be the venue of this year's Festival, providing car parking facilities, a BBQ , outdoor children's activities and refreshments. The local rowing clubs will provide the traditional sandwiches, tea and buns to the rowers all part of a perfect regatta day. All we need is the weather!.

Rowing plays an enormous part of the sporting life in Killarney, in the 2008 Olympic Games, Three Killarney Oarsmen rowed for Ireland - Paul Griffin, Sean Casey and Cathal Moynihan, all members of Muckross Rowing Club, Ireland's oldest rowing club.

For further information:Valerie O'Sullivan contact 087-2629375/[email protected]

Published in Rowing
Tagged under

#WaterSafety - Four more people have drowned in separate incidents around Ireland as the heatwave continues.

As RTÉ News reports, a 24-year-old man died while swimming in the sea near Ardara in Co Donegal yesterday afternoon (20 July).

Later, the body of a second victim was recovered from the Shrule River in Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone after getting into difficulty.

A third man in his 60s is was drowned after failing to return from a swim in a quarry near Carrick-on-Suir. His body was recovered earlier today.

The tragedies follow news of a 19-year-old who drowned while swimming with friends in Lough Leane in Killarney on Friday evening (19 July).

And a woman in her 30s was lucky to be rescued after getting into difficulty swimming in the River Nore near Kilkenny. She is currently in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

Irish Water Safety have renewed their appeal for the public to take extra care when taking to the water during this extraordinary hot weather that had already claimed seven lives as of Thursday last.

Published in Water Safety

# COASTAL ROWING: The univsersities celebrated as the oldest rowing rivals will celebrate the oldest traditional regatta when crews drawn from Oxford and Cambridge alumni compete at Killarney Rowing Festival on Lough Lein on July 28th. The boat used will be the Killarney Six, a wooden boat with a fixed seat which was originally designed and built by Salters in Oxford. The event is part of ‘The Gathering’ and Queen Victoria’s stay in Killarney in 1861 will be marked. The Killarney Regatta itself is set for June 30th.

Published in Coastal Rowing

Leading Irish boat dealer MGM Boats Ltd is playing golf this weekend. While the Dun Laoghaire firm may not be teeingg off in Killarney, Gerry Salmon, Martin Salmon anf Joe Hill are on the course as the Irish Distributors of Sunseeeker boats, an official sponsor of the Irish Open Golf Tournament 2011.

mgmimage

The event is held at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club 28th to 31st July. MGM Boats Have a stand in the Tented Exhibition Area area and also have a Sunseeker XS Sport on Display. The Salmon's are in attendance for the duration of the event.

Published in Marine Trade
Tagged under

Aquaculture Information

Aquaculture is the farming of animals in the water and has been practised for centuries, with the monks farming fish in the middle ages. More recently the technology has progressed and the aquaculture sector is now producing in the region of 50 thousand tonnes annually and provides a valuable food product as well as much needed employment in many rural areas of Ireland.

A typical fish farm involves keeping fish in pens in the water column, caring for them and supplying them with food so they grow to market size. Or for shellfish, containing them in a specialised unit and allowing them to feed on natural plants and materials in the water column until they reach harvestable size. While farming fish has a lower carbon and water footprint to those of land animals, and a very efficient food fed to weight gain ratio compared to beef, pork or chicken, farming does require protein food sources and produces organic waste which is released into the surrounding waters. Finding sustainable food sources, and reducing the environmental impacts are key challenges facing the sector as it continues to grow.

Salmon is the most popular fish bought by Irish families. In Ireland, most of our salmon is farmed, and along with mussels and oysters, are the main farmed species in the country.

Aquaculture in Ireland

  • Fish and shellfish are farmed in 14 Irish coastal counties.
  • Irish SMEs and families grow salmon, oysters, mussels and other seafood
  • The sector is worth €150m at the farm gate – 80% in export earnings.
  • The industry sustains 1,833 direct jobs in remote rural areas – 80% in the west of Ireland
  • Every full-time job in aquaculture creates 2.27 other jobs locally (Teagasc 2015)
  • Ireland’s marine farms occupy 0.0004% of Ireland’s 17,500Km2 inshore area.
  • 83% of people in coastal areas support the development of fish farming
  • Aquaculture is a strong, sustainable and popular strategic asset for development and job creation (Foodwise 2025, National Strategic Plan, Seafood
  • Operational Programme 2020, FAO, European Commission, European Investment Bank, Harvesting Our Ocean Wealth, Silicon Republic, CEDRA)
    Ireland has led the world in organically certified farmed fish for over 30 years
  • Fish farm workers include people who have spent over two decades in the business to school-leavers intent on becoming third-generation farmers on their family sites.

Irish Aquaculture FAQs

Aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic plants, and involves cultivating freshwater and saltwater populations under controlled conditions- in contrast to commercial fishing, which is the harvesting of wild fish. Mariculture refers to aquaculture practiced in marine environments and in underwater habitats. Particular kinds of aquaculture include fish farming, shrimp farming, oyster farming, mariculture, algaculture (such as seaweed farming), and the cultivation of ornamental fish. Particular methods include aquaponics and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, both of which integrate fish farming and plant farming.

About 580 aquatic species are currently farmed all over the world, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which says it is "practised by both some of the poorest farmers in developing countries and by multinational companies".

Increasing global demand for protein through seafood is driving increasing demand for aquaculture, particularly given the pressures on certain commercially caught wild stocks of fish. The FAO says that "eating fish is part of the cultural tradition of many people and in terms of health benefits, it has an excellent nutritional profile, and "is a good source of protein, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and essential micronutrients".

Aquaculture now accounts for 50 per cent of the world's fish consumed for food, and is the fastest-growing good sector.

China provides over 60 per cent of the world's farmed fish. In Europe, Norway and Scotland are leading producers of finfish, principally farmed salmon.

For farmed salmon, the feed conversion ratio, which is the measurement of how much feed it takes to produce the protein, is 1.1, as in one pound of feed producing one pound of protein, compared to rates of between 2.2 and 10 for beef, pork and chicken. However, scientists have also pointed out that certain farmed fish and shrimp requiring higher levels of protein and calories in feed compared to chickens, pigs, and cattle.

Tilapia farming which originated in the Middle East and Africa has now become the most profitable business in most countries. Tilapia has become the second most popular seafood after crab, due to which its farming is flourishing. It has entered the list of best selling species like shrimp and salmon.

There are 278 aquaculture production units in Ireland, according to Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) *, producing 38,000 tonnes of finfish and shellfish in 2019 and with a total value of €172 million

There are currently almost 2,000 people directly employed in Irish aquaculture in the Republic, according to BIM.

BIM figures for 2019 recorded farmed salmon at almost 12,000 tonnes, valued at €110 million; rock oysters reached 10,300 tonnes at a value of €44 million; rope mussels at 10,600 tonnes were valued at €7 million; seabed cultured mussels at 4,600 tonnes were valued at €7 million; "other" finfish reached 600 tonnes, valued at €2 million and "other" shellfish reached 300 tonnes, valued at €2 million

Irish aquaculture products are exported to Europe, US and Asia, with salmon exported to France, Germany, Belgium and the US. Oysters are exported to France, with developing sales to markets in Hong Kong and China. France is Ireland's largest export for mussels, while there have been increased sales in the domestic and British markets.

The value of the Irish farmed finfish sector fell by five per cent in volume and seven per cent in value in 2019, mainly due to a fall on salmon production, but this was partially offset by a seven per cent increased in farmed shellfish to a value of 60 million euro. Delays in issuing State licenses have hampered further growth of the sector, according to industry representatives.

Fish and shellfish farmers must be licensed, and must comply with regulations and inspections conducted by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Marine Institute. Food labelling is a function of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. There is a long backlog of license approvals in the finfish sector, while the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine says it is working to reduce the backlog in the shellfish sector.

The department says it is working through the backlog, but notes that an application for a marine finfish aquaculture licence must be accompanied by either an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR). As of October 2020, over two-thirds of applications on hand had an EIS outstanding, it said.

The EU requires member states to have marine spatial plans by 2021, and Ireland has assigned responsibility to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government for the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF). Legislation has been drawn up to underpin this, and to provide a "one stop shop" for marine planning, ranging from fish farms to offshore energy – as in Marine Planning and Development Management Bill. However, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine confirmed last year that it intends to retain responsibility for aquaculture and sea-fisheries related development – meaning fish and shellfish farmers won't be able to avail of the "one stop shop" for marine planning.

Fish and shellfish health is a challenge, with naturally occurring blooms, jellyfish and the risk of disease. There are also issues with a perception that the sector causes environmental problems.

The industry has been on a steep learning curve, particularly in finfish farming, since it was hailed as a new future for Irish coastal communities from the 1970s – with the State's Electricity Supply Board being an early pioneer, and tobacco company Carrolls also becoming involved for a time. Nutrient build up, which occurs when there is a high density of fish in one area, waste production and its impact on depleting oxygen in water, creating algal blooms and "dead zones", and farmers' use of antibiotics to prevent disease have all been concerns, and anglers have also been worried about the impact of escaped farmed salmon on wild fish populations. Sea lice from salmon farmers were also blamed for declines in sea trout and wild salmon in Irish estuaries and rivers.

BIM says over 95% of all salmon farmed in Ireland are certified organic. Organically grown salmon are only fed a diet of sustainable organic feed. They are also raised in more spacious pens than traditional farmed salmon. The need to site locations for fish farms further out to sea, using more robust cages for weather, has been recognised by regulatory agencies. There is a move towards land-based aquaculture in Norway to reduce impact on local ecosystems. The industry says that antibiotic use is declining, and it says that "safe and effective vaccinations have since been developed for farmed fish and are now widely used". Many countries are now adopting a more sustainable approach to removing sea lice from salmon, using feeder fish such as wrasse and lumpsucker fish. Ireland's first lumpsucker hatchery was opened in 2015.

BIM says over 95% of all salmon farmed in Ireland are certified organic. Organically grown salmon are only fed a diet of sustainable organic feed. They are also raised in more spacious pens than traditional farmed salmon. The need to site locations for fish farms further out to sea, using more robust cages for weather, has been recognised by regulatory agencies. There is a move towards land-based aquaculture in Norway to reduce impact on local ecosystems. The industry says that antibiotic use is declining, and it says that "safe and effective vaccinations have since been developed for farmed fish and are now widely used". Many countries are now adopting a more sustainable approach to removing sea lice from salmon, using feeder fish such as wrasse and lumpsucker fish. Ireland's first lumpsucker hatchery was opened in 2015.

Yes, as it is considered to have better potential for controlling environmental impacts, but it is expensive. As of October 2020, the department was handling over 20 land-based aquaculture applications.

The Irish Farmers' Association has represented fish and shellfish farmers for many years, with its chief executive Richie Flynn, who died in 2018, tirelessly championing the sector. His successor, Teresa Morrissey, is an equally forceful advocate, having worked previously in the Marine Institute in providing regulatory advice on fish health matters, scientific research on emerging aquatic diseases and management of the National Reference Laboratory for crustacean diseases.

BIM provides training in the national vocational certificate in aquaculture at its National Fisheries College, Castletownbere, Co Cork. It also trains divers to work in the industry. The Institute of Technology Carlow has also developed a higher diploma in aqua business at its campus in Wexford, in collaboration with BIM and IFA Aquaculture, the representative association for fish and shellfish farming.

© Afloat 2020

At A Glance - Irish Aquaculture

  • Fish and shellfish are farmed in 14 Irish coastal counties
  • Salmon is the most popular fish bought by Irish families. 
  • In Ireland, most of our salmon is farmed, and along with mussels and oysters, are the main farmed species in the country.
  • The industry sustains 1,833 direct jobs in remote rural areas – 80% in the west of Ireland
  • Every full-time job in aquaculture creates 2.27 other jobs locally (Teagasc 2015)
  • Ireland’s marine farms occupy 0.0004% of Ireland’s 17,500Km2 inshore area.
  • 83% of people in coastal areas support the development of fish farming

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