Following a public protest meeting in Bantry on Sunday, the matter is to go before the courts
An injunction is to be sought to prevent BioAtlantis from commencing sea kelp harvesting in Bantry Bay.
The application – which is being taken by an individual who is involved with the campaign organised by the Bantry Bay Protect Our Native Kelp Forest – is due to be lodged in the High Court on or before July 4th.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Tomás O’Sullivan, confirmed that the individual and the organisation believe they have no option but to seek an injunction because the company has decided to proceed with harvesting despite the fact that their licence is under judicial review.
An environmental impact assessment and good public consultation may have resolved a lot of issues in the initial stages of this venture. As a community, we strive to be heard and find our only option is to communicate our concerns in a court of law.’
Mr O’Sullivan confirmed that more than 500 people turned up at 3pm in Bantry on Sunday, July 1st, to take part in a public demonstration on land and at sea. ‘The purpose of the demonstration,’ he said, ‘is to oppose the plan to mechanically harvest our native sea kelp.’
