Patrick D. Harte
Question:17 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for the Marine the reason salmon farming is permitted in Lough Swilly which is not a designated area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salmon Farming.
(Limerick West): There are a number of legal mechanisms available under the Fisheries Acts to allow the licensing of marine fish farming and it is at the discretion of the Minister for the Marine as to which is the most suitable for a particular situation. These mechanisms are, first, the issue of fish culture licences under the terms of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959; and second, the designation process under section 54 of the Fisheries Act, 1980 which provides for the designation of areas by order for fish farming followed by the licensing of individual projects through the mechanism of aquaculture licences within the designated area.
It was the former mechanism which was utilised in respect of salmon farming in Lough Swilly. I must emphasise that this mechanism is subject to the full rigours of the licence vetting procedure, which now include the furnishing of an environmental impact statement, and to the environmental monitoring requirements of my Department. In the case of salmon farming in Lough Swilly, the proposal was fully vetted by my Department's technical staff on the basis of regular environmental monitoring data and additional scientific data. I might add that there were no objections in response to the public notification of the proposal.
Finally, I should add that, in addition to the licence required for the cultivation of fish, marine structures such as fish cages must be licensed under the Foreshore Act, 1933.
Will the Minister confirm that designation will not be a criterion in future licensing and that licensing of areas not now designated will be open and free?
(Limerick West): It would be at the discretion of the Minister. A decision to designate a particular area would be related to the level of fish farming activity or demand as assessed in conjunction with the development agencies. A technical assessment of the suitability of an area would take into account ground knowledge of the likely local reaction. The designation of areas is solely at the discretion of the Minister.
Is the Minister aware of the widespread disquiet among those in the shellfish industry at the way the Minister for the Marine deals with applications for salmon farming licences and that this is inhibiting the expansion of the shellfish industry because they are unable to plan properly for the future as they do not know whether a salmon farm will be located next door to them which they feel is very detrimental to the expansion of their industry? Will the Minister please put a stop to his vacillation and decide whether he will operate the 1959 Act or the 1980 Act?
Let us not stray too far from Lough Swilly.
(Limerick West): We will stay within Lough Swilly. The Deputy's outburst is sensational. All applications are subject to the full rigours of the licensing procedures and permission is not given on an ad hoc basis to those involved in salmon farming or anybody else. The issuing of licences is monitored very carefully on a continuous basis.