Who or what is Save The Swilly?

• Save The Swilly is an umbrella organisation formed to stop further aquaculture development in Lough Swilly until an independent environmental impact assessment has been undertaken and all affected parties have been consulted.
• Several groups concerned by the impact of expanding aquaculture, and frustrated by the lack of official government response to their objections over many years, first came together in November 2000. They decided to combine forces to raise the profile of this issue, and Save The Swilly was launched formally to the media on 9th January 2001. The launch received coverage in all local newspapers, as well as national newspapers, on radio and TV.
• Members are from all sides of the Swilly and include, among others, groups of anglers, archaeologists and historians, environmentalists, commercial fishermen, concerned residents, hoteliers and other tourism providers.
• Total membership as of January 2001 exceeded 25 groups, representing more than 1,000 individuals. (See "Backgound" section for list of members)
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How do I join?

Membership is open to any individual or group who is concerned with aquaculture developments in Lough Swilly area. You can join by filling in an e-mail form or by contacting Tony or Chris at (353) 077-63733.
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What else can I do?

• Express your concerns to your local representatives (urban district councillors, county councillors, TDs).
• Write a letter to the Ministry of the Marine and Natural Resources (minister@marine.irlgov.ie) stating your support for Save The Swilly
• Demand a stop to further aquaculture licensing until a baseline environmental assessment has been completed. Demand to be informed of the Ministry's long-term plans for Lough Swilly.
• If you would like to sign the Save The Swilly petition, you can do so by e-mail, or at specific locations. If you want further information, please contact Chris or Tony on 077-63733 or e-mail Save The Swilly at info@loughswilly.com
• If you would like to share your views on aquaculture in Lough Swilly, please join the Discussion Forum.
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How many aquaculture licences are there for Lough Swilly?

As of January 2001, there were a total of 30 licences (25 shellfish - oyster and mussel; 5 fin-fish - salmon) in place, under consideration, or under appeal. The total covers more than 1,000 acres, and no end in sight. The Department of the Marine has not rejected a single licence in the past three years. The Aquaculture Appeals Board has over-turned one Lough Swilly shellfish licence on appeal, but has approved more than 20. Many more licence applications are pending.
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How do I search the Discussion Forum?

• Go to the Discussion Forum page
• Select 'Search' at the top of the page
• Select the time period within which you want to search
  

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