Enda Kenny
Question:47 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make a statement clarifying the position in so far as the issue of an aquaculture licence is concerned in view of the circumstances of a case (details supplied).
Written Answers. - Aquaculture Licence.
The position is that Clare Island Seafarms Ltd., Cloghmore, Achill, County Mayo, applied in August 1992 for the licensing of a long term fallowing site at Annagh Bay, Achill Sound, County Mayo. Leaving sites fallow for a period to break the cycle of infection with sea-lice and reduce the risk of other diseases is an internationally accepted fishfarm management strategy. It has been endorsed by the Scientific Sea Trout Working Group. The permit and licence which is now proposed is for a short term, pilot fallowing project for 1993 only, and is subject to rigorous environmental and independent monitoring requirements. The approvals were necessary to ensure continuity of employment for up to 25 people working full-time with the company.
These permissions were given following detailed assessment and advice from the Department's Aquaculture Licence Vetting Committee (ALVC). The ALVC rigorously assessed the proposal, including comments made to the Department during and extensive consultative process with the Fisheries Board, the Salmon Research Agency and a number of other public bodies. The ALVC recommended in favour of granting the permissions. Decisions for 1994 and beyond are contingent on the outcome of the recently established expert Fallowing Working Group.
This rearing trial does not involve any increase in the licensed tonnage of the salmon farm operator. While a formal offer has been made to the company, finalisation and issue of the necessary permit and licence is contingent on the company's acceptance of specific environmental and monitoring requirements.