asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the arrangements he is making for the designation of areas for maricultureaquaculture projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Mariculture-Aquaculture Projects.
28.
The designation of areas within which it shall be lawful to engage in aquaculture subject to licence is covered under section 54 of the Fisheries Act, 1980.
In early 1986, a special unit was set up within my Department to deal specifically with aquaculture matters. Since the setting up of this section, 13 areas have been considered for designation. This brings the total number of such areas to 22. Eleven areas have now been designated. Eight of these cover extensive areas of the Galway and Mayo coastal regions which are the major centres of aquaculture interest. The making of these designation orders will facilitate the early consideration of applications for aquaculture licences within the areas covered by the order.
Of the remaining eleven areas, I have decided not to designate one area near Rogerstown, County Dublin and am considering the reports of the other relevant inquiries to see what parts, if any, of the areas in question can now be designated.
In addition, I am drawing up a further list of areas where designation procedures can commence.
Can the Minister tell me the number of licences that have been held up pending designation?
That did not form part the question and I would not like to give information of which I am not certain. I could forward the Deputy that information later.
Would the Minister agree that the number of applications for licences is in the region of 400 and that as a result of the delay in designation this development has been held up over the past number of months?
I cannot confirm that the number is 400 but I will confirm that to the Deputy as soon as I return to my office. I regard it as of the utmost importance that the designated areas be examined closely before licences are granted and that every facility be given to all parties interested in agriculture and to all those concerned about its development to have their voices heard before the designated areas are decided. The Deputy will be aware that I have designated most of the areas in the west, in Galway, Mayo and so on, and the Deputy must be aware of a statement which I released yesterday regarding these designations.
When the Minister said "most areas in the west" did he take into account an area around the Aran Islands about which there has been some speculation recently? Will the Minister say what consultations have taken place with local interests?
The eight orders designated recently were, Carna, Clifden and four other areas, Carlingford Lough, County Louth, Mulroy Bay, County Donegal, Clew Bay, County Mayo, Ventry Harbour, Trabeg Bay, County Kerry. The Aran Islands' area is not included in any of those designations so representations from any quarter can be made in that respect.
We will now move on to questions nominated for priority.