Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 4

Written Answers. - Shellfish Cultivation Licence Proposals.

Austin Deasy

Question:

43 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the concern of the local community at Woodstown, County Waterford, regarding proposals to licence shellfish projects on the outer part of the strand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8246/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I am aware of the concerns of the local community at Woodstown, County Waterford in relation to proposals to licence shellfish cultivation on the outer part of the strand at Woodstown. Following completion of public notice procedures under the Foreshore Act, 1993 by one applicant, a number of objections and representations were lodged with the Department. These are currently being assessed by the Department together with a number of other applications which will also be subject to full public notice procedures.

I have visited the area and met with a range of local fishery interests in relation to this and other aquaculture developments within the Waterford Harbour area at the Deputy's request. In addition, Department officials met a range of interested persons and representative bodies, including members of the Woodstown Residents' Association, in Waterford last January to discuss the concerns of the local community and to consider how best these concerns could be addressed.

At that meeting the shellfish industry's code of practice, a working document on best practices employed by oyster farmers around the Irish coastline, was explained as was the licensing process. As agreed at the meeting, my Department subsequently supplied local residents with information on oyster cultivation together with details of the licensing applications received. The Department and BIM remain available to provide any additional information which the residents may require.

I assure the Deputy and the local community at Woodstown that the views of the community will be taken into account fully prior to any licensing decisions being taken.

Only a limited area of the outer strand at Woodstown is under consideration in terms of possible licensing so the extent of the development will be strictly limited. In addition any reasonable concerns of the community can be addressed by the incorporation of legally binding conditions in any licences granted, circumscribing all relevant aspects of the aquaculture operations concerned, as required.