12th August 2002

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Government departments, agencies and users of Lough Swilly must work together if the lough is to develop and prosper, according to University of Ulster researcher Dr Andrew Cooper.

Dr Cooper’s findings were announced today at the launch of his Integrated Coastal Zone Management proposal for the area.

The report, commissioned by Save the Swilly and conducted by the Coastal Studies Research Group at UU, warns that present management structures fail to take advantage of available resources and major development opportunites are being missed.

In addition, the conflict and lack of co-operation between the various users of the Swilly, is adding to the problem.

Dr Cooper said: “The fish farming industry in Lough Swilly is well organized and has government support for its continued expansion, however, this is opposed by several other users such as commercial fishermen, residents and the tourist industry because of its perceived incompatibility with these groups.

“This study identifies the various management structures currently operating in Lough Swilly and concludes that they are clearly not integrated, as recent EU recommendations suggest. The various groups are not working together to make best use of the valuable resource that exists within the lough. Subsequently, major economic development opportunites are being missed.

“It is also clear from our research that insuffient information exists for informed decisions to be made for the future management of the Swilly. Planning for the development of such a large estuary with its multiple resources requires careful thought. An assessment of the carrying capacity for different uses, their potential socio-economic benefit and resource use conflicts would provide the foundation for sustainable development.”

The University of Ulster report recommends that a proper economic appraisal of the uses of the Swilly be carried out. It also recommends an assessment of its carrying capacity. This would allow the different groups using the lough to interact in an informed environment, to debate the best use of resources.

Dr Cooper added: “We recommend the establishment of a forum in which all users of Lough Swilly would be given a say. This would be a novel approach in that an integrated scientific appraisal combined with a high level of public participation has not previously been undertaken for any large estuary.”

Save the Swilly Chairman, Mr Tony Morrison said: “It is quite obvious from our experience, that an overall management plan for Lough Swilly is essential. Dr Cooper and his team have produced an excellent introduction to such a plan, and we shall now seek support for the development of an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy from all stakeholders.

“Ireland as a whole and Donegal County Council have accepted the ICZM principle. We trust this report will be a significant step forward in helping the council to implement an ICZM initiative for Lough Swilly.”

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk