asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware of the extensive damage caused to fish farms in Connemara during recent storms; if he intends taking any steps to compensate for the heavy losses suffered; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Storm Damage to Fish Farms.
8.
I am aware of some damage occurring to fish farms as a result of storms in January last. However, I must point out that there are no funds available to my Department or An Bord lascaigh Mhara to compensate promoters of fish farms for losses caused by storm damage.
The question refers to "recent storms" but the question was tabled last January and has only reached the top of the pile now for answer. The difficulties that arose in January have been dealt with since. Following two weeks of very bad weather in January a lot of damage was done to cages, moorings and nets. There was also considerable stock loss by those running fish farms in Connemara. Has the Minister estimated the amount of the damage on that occasion? Can the Minister take any steps to assist the various fish farms that suffered such heavy losses during the past winter?
In relation to the damage caused, I have a detailed list that I can make available to the Deputy in regard to different companies and areas where damage was caused. The major damage was caused to Beirtreach Teo. and to the mussel farm in Killary including structural damage to 20 rafts, moorings being dragged and the loss of the 1984 crop to the tune of about 100 tonnes. I can make this long list of damage caused available to the Deputy.
Is the Minister in a position to estimate the cost of the damage?
I have not got an estimate of the cost. In relation to my Department I can tell the Deputy that there is no State aid mechanism available to compensate fish farms for such losses.
Insurance companies, as the Deputy is aware, provide cover for damage to stock, equipment and so on. The BIM mariculture grant scheme does not provide assistance but seeks to ensure that recipients of grants under the scheme have insurance cover. It is not a condition of the scheme but they advised it strongly, for obvious reasons. There is no framework within which compensation can be made available.
Would the Minister agree that the advice given by officials of his Department and BIM in regard to the strength of the rafts which were constructed was not satisfactory, since they proved to be not strong enough to withstand the level of storm prevalent along the west coast?
I am not aware of any liability accepted by my Department or by BIM in relation to the rafts which suffered damage, nor am I aware of any allegation to that effect made by people who suffered losses in the storms early this year.
Is it not true that the rafts proved to be too light generally and were unable to withstand the weather? They have had to be replaced by stronger ones.
Most of the problems occurred because of moorings breaking. The problem was not the strength of the rafts but the strength of the moorings.
That would be part of it.
This is an area of huge potential and much has been said about the prospects for jobs. Much stock was damaged. Has the Minister any plans to help by replacing stock? He may not have the financial provision but there may be other means open to him whereby he could give assistance.
I have not the resources available to me to effect any compensation in direct money terms or in terms of stock, which would also cost money. Consultations have taken place and the people who have been affected by these storms have informed us that they have learned lessons which will enable them to take the necessary action in the future.