FOOD PRODUCTION

I want to see allotments and community gardens/farms for all ages to share knowledge and grow food together. Unfortunately, the production of food is being consolidated into fewer and fewer hands. Not everyone interested in growing food and experimenting in new farming methods and food sources has access to land. This would be a great way to build community as well as growing interest and skillsets amongst the next generation of food producers who we will depend on for food security in the future. It would also be a way for Galway County Council to generate income on marginal land that it owns which is not suitable for development.

The fisheries sector in Conamara South has effectively collapsed due to overfishing and the impacts of climate change. Making allowances to continue fishing certain species while their populations are so depleted is not a viable solution to the problem. I believe we must face up to this reality and leave the marine life alone in the hope that it can recover. The Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have not yet been defined for Conamara South, but already there are Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) around Cill Chiaráin Bay and Islands and Inis Mór and Islands.

Alternative sustainable careers in the marine environment into the future should involve protecting and rehabilitating these environments. I would also like Galway County Council to facilitate cooperative or community led aquaculture projects to develop in coastal communities, focusing on species that can tolerate a broad temperature range and taking into account ocean acidification and decreased salinity. I believe this is essential for the economic development and food security of the region. We are so far behind where we could and should be. The sooner we start to diversify the foods we produce, the better.

FOOD EDUCATION

I would like Galway County Council to facilitate a food education program for school children, teaching awareness of where food comes from, nutrition and cooking skills. We have so many amazing chefs, food producers and educators on our doorstep. We should celebrate this great resource with our children.