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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Nov 1994

Vol. 447 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Oyster Cultivation.

Question:

214 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine when he intends to reply to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford and to Deputy Hugh Byrne's representations on their behalf on 31 August 1994 concerning oyster farming at Ballyteigue Bay, County Wexford; the length of time this matter has been ongoing; the reason his Department has not been in a position to explain the reason it has felt itself unable to give the permission; if the permission sought by the applicant will now be forthcoming; if not, the reason therefor; the reason such permission as is being sought, having been granted in the past, is not readily forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3134/94]

David Andrews

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

An application for a licence from the person in question to cultivate oysters at Ballyteigue Bay, County Wexford, was received by the Department in October 1992. I understand that the area is suitable in many key respects for oyster cultivation and was cleared from a strictly fish health perspective in 1993. However, processing of the application for the site in question and renewal of fish health clearances have been fundamentally constrained by the fact that the area lies within a statutory nature reserve and was designated by the Wildlife Service as a special protection area under the EU Birds Directive in 1990.

Developmental activity, including aquaculture, is generally speaking circumscribed within such areas. The Department has however requested the Wildlife Service to reconsider the extent, if any, to which the application in question can be accommodated within the Bay. I have instructed the Department to fully brief the Deputy and the applicant on developments to date and to advise directly on the outcome of the current discussions with the Wildlife Service.

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