asked the Minister for the Marine the reason he revoked a decision of the previous Minister for Fisheries regarding mariculture at Smerwick harbour, Ballydavid, County Kerry; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such a decision, if made, could cause loss of life; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Kerry Harbour Designation.
149.
A new system of licensing of fish farming projects in the sea was provided for in section 54 of the Fisheries Act, 1980, which section was brought into effect in August 1983. The new system normally requires the holding of a public inquiry to determine whether the Minister will make a designation order for a particular area designating it as one in which it shall be lawful to engage in aquaculture in suitable blocs subject to licence.
Notice of intention to designate Smerwick harbour was published on 18 July 1986 and a public inquiry was held on 16 September 1986. The matter of designation has since been under consideration and my predecessor indicated in February 1987 that as far as he was concerned he would not proceed with the designation of Smerwick harbour. He also arranged for officials of my Department to carry out a detailed evaluation and report on the various representations and objections made prior to, during, and after the hearing of the public inquiry, regarding the designation proposal. This report has recently been completed and submitted to me. I am currently reviewing the matter and will make a decision in the near future. The Deputy can rest assured that safety at sea is a major factor when designation of an area is being considered and it will be taken fully into account in my deliberations.