asked the Minister for the Marine if any licences have been issued for shellfish farming in Ballyness-Magheraroaty bay areas, Falcarragh, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Shellfish Farming Licences.
105.
Under section 54 of the Fisheries Act, 1980, I am empowered to designate areas as areas within which it shall be lawful to engage in aquaculture subject to licence. Aquaculture licences can only be issued in designated areas. The Ballyness-Magheraroaty bays have not been designated for aquaculture purposes and consequently no licences for shellfish farming in the area have been issued to date. Whilst my Department have received applications for aquaculture licences in Ballyness-Magheraroaty bays, it will be some time before the designation procedure can be initiated.