asked the Minister for Communications if he studied a petition signed by over 2,000 people regarding mariculture at Smerwick Harbour, Ballydavid, County Kerry, which was handed to him by Deputy Begley and which states that lives could be lost if the development goes ahead; is he is now in a position to make a decision on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Kerry Mariculture.
96.
I can confirm I have seen the petition referred to. The question of designating this area as an area within which it shall be lawful to engage in mariculture is being considered by the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry under the Fisheries Act, 1980. Designation is by means of an order which may not be made without my consent, and in accordance with normal practice, the question of navigational safety and, in particular, the safety of human life, among other matters, will be fully considered before any decision relating to the area is taken.