asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will make a statement regarding the two seed mussel beds found off the Wicklow coast by the research development staff of BIM.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wicklow Mussel Beds.
40.
Since 1968 An Bord Iascaigh Mhara in consultation with the scientific officers of my Department have carried out a series of investigations into the extent of seed mussel beds off the Wicklow coast. In January last two beds were located by the board one of which is estimated to have a potential of approximately 4,000 tons of seed mussels and the other a potential of approximately 8,000 tons. The board are at present carrying out investigations on the commercial viability of the beds to establish whether they can be fished economically for transplanting to a location off County Wexford for further growth and ultimate sale. It is too early yet to say whether the possible daily catch rate will justify the commercial development of the beds for transplanting purposes.
Where, off the Wicklow coast, have these two finds been made?
It has been known for some time that seed mussels become established in various parts of the shallow waters off the east coast from Howth to Courtown Harbour.
But where, off the Wicklow coast, were the finds located?
In 1964 large quantities of seed mussels were discovered in an area of 60 acres off Courtown Harbour and in 1970 our research vessel located beds of seed mussels off Kilmichael Point in County Wexford.
When——
This is the Deputy's third supplementary.
——is it hoped to be able to make an assessment of the possibilities of the additional beds?
As I indicated in my reply, BIM are presently carrying out investigations regarding the commercial viability of the beds with a view to establishing whether they can be fished economically for transplanting to a location off Wexford for further growth and ultimate sale. It is too early yet to say whether the possible daily catch rate will justify the commercial development of the beds for transplanting purposes.
I accept——
Question No. 41. I have already allowed several supplementaries on Question No. 40.
——what the Parliamentary Secretary has said but can he give us any indication of when a decision can be reached?
I have given the Deputy an indication of that.
Will it be within six months or within ten years?
It is too early to say.
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 41.