asked the Minister for Lands if his Department in tend to transplant some of the extensive quantities of seed mussels available in Castlemaine Harbour, County Kerry before the winter storms wash them away; and, if so, if he will avail himself of the ideally suitable weather of August and September to do so.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transplanting of Seed Mussels.
47.
My Department does not engage directly in mussel transplantation but An Bord Iascaigh Mhara have made grants exceeding £700 both this year and last year towards the cost of transplantation schemes in particular parts of Castlemaine Harbour. These schemes have been undertaken on a rotational basis and, to derive benefit from them, it is necessary to suspend mussel fishing until October, 1963, in the area transplanted last year and until October, 1964, in the area transplanted this year, while leaving other beds open for fishing. I hope that local contributions will again be forthcoming next spring for transplantation of another area where fishing would then be suspended. During the next few months An Bord Iascaigh Mhara do not propose to make an additional grant but if local interests—who are primarily concerned in this matter—are in a position to undertake further transplantation, it is, of course, open to them to do so.