Vol. 404 No. 9
91 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern at the recent decision of his Department to withdraw the designation of Cill Chiaráin Bay, Connemara, County Galway and Mulroy Bay, County Donegal as areas for shellfish farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There would appear to be some recent confusion surrounding this issue. I therefore welcome the opportunity to clarify matters: there has been no decision by my Department to withdraw the designation of Kilkieran Bay, County Galway, and Mulroy Bay, County Donegal, as areas for shellfish farming. These areas have been designated under section 54 of the Fisheries Act, 1980, and these designations have not been changed or revised.
The confusion arises out of recent media reports regarding the revision in classification of these two areas under a European Communities Directive. This Directive does not alter the designation of areas for aquaculture under Irish law to which I have already referred. The revision in classification has no effect on the trading ability of the two areas in question nor can it result in any deterioration of water quality standards. It does not indicate any diminution in support for Kilkieran and Mulroy Bays as significant shellfish producing areas.
