Despite many controversies, salmon farming continues to have a significant economic benefit in Connemara as evidenced by the latest statistics.<\/p>\n
It was a bumper year for the sector nationwide last year – which supports hundreds of jobs in Connemara.<\/p>\n
2025 was the best year in the past decade for salmon farming in Ireland as regards production, with statistics showing a 30% increase in output nationally.<\/p>\n
A significant part of the industry is located off the Connemara coast providing 630 jobs both directly and indirectly.<\/p>\n
The industry also accounts for 1,552 part time jobs in the western region according to Bord Iascaigh Mhara.<\/p>\n
The value of the tonnage produced in Connemara in 2025 is estimated at well over \u20ac30m. with the greater part of that of going on the export market.<\/p>\n
However, the profits were hit by a 20% reduction in prices on the international markets in 2025 compared to previous years.<\/p>\n
While salmon farming has been the subject of controversy over the decades it continues to be a much bigger money spinner than the yearly landings at Ros a Mh\u00edl, the main fisheries harbour on the west coast.<\/p>\n
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