Tom MacSweeney's Seascapes

This month’s Podcast reports on the major problem affecting development of Ireland’s aquaculture sector – delays in licencing which have been going on for many years. Despite that the rest of the ocean economy is growing and a major contributor to national welfare, as the programme also reports. There is also a report on the new currach training programme for young people in Cork and the story of how Brendan Behan did not keep a job with the Commissioners of Irish Lights.      

This and other stories – from the amazing smallest seabird which travelled 300,000 kms and has a connection to St.Peter to the enthusiastic Rosslare Maritime group;, an offer to young people to go sail training – and to some older people too; – and the sea tragedy song which saved a thousand lives. All form the storylines on the first edition of SEASCAPES in 2026

Oysters are heroes, says the lady who has grown them for 35 years in Dungarvan Harbour - Cliona Mhic Giolla Chuda General Manager and co-Founder of Waterford Oysters.“They are underestimated, they are climate heroes. It’s an intensive business,” she tells SEASCAPES in the December Podcast, as her company celebrates 35 years exporting to countries around the world. “It’s not for the faint-hearted because there are bad years as well as very good years, but overall I really enjoy it.”Also on this month’s Podcast:• The Irish Polar Institute corrects a ‘mean action’ by Polar explorer Ernest Shackleton• A new association wants more schools to encourage sailing • An Arctic whale arrives in Donegal• And the crewman from an inland county who survived the Titanic

This month’s SEASCAPES Podcast highlights the work of marine pilots, who guide ships safely into and from our ports, carrying over 90 per cent of the country’s exports and imports. Also on the Podcast - Why has the Government reduced funding in the Budget to fishing by nearly €20m. and– the shortage of seafarers. There is an urgent need to recruit more.

Inshore fishermen, fishing from small boats, are a core of coastal communities, but face huge challenges. Will they survive? Also on the Podcast – Otters are declining in Ireland and dockers in Dublin want to honour a hero.

On the September edition – a sailor spends ten years restoring a Folkboat, then sells it; the RNLI needs Volunteers and Ireland has 750,000 seabird visitors.