asked the Minister for the Marine if he will give details of expenditure to date and plans for future development of oyster fisheries purchased by the State since 1980; and the returns to date on the investment.
Written Answers. - Oyster Fisheries Expenditure.
47.
The St. George Oyster Fishery Co. Ltd., was purchased by An Bord lascaigh Mhara in 1981. The company has an oyster fishery in Clarenbridge, County Galway. A development plan for the oyster beds is being drawn up by BIM. To date, approximately £20,000 has been spent on biological and hydrographic surveys, and the development of a greenhouse nursery system for growing oysters. The development of the oyster beds is not yet operating on a commercial scale.
In 1987 Údaras na Gaeltachta purchased the title to oyster beds in Kil-kiernan and Bertraghboy Bays, County Galway. Questions in this regard should be addressed to Aire na Gaeltachta.