Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 4

Written Answers - Mussel Fish Farming Licence.

John O'Leary

Question:

280 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for the Marine when a licence will be issued by his Department to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry to enable him to engage in mussel fish farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21060/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. S. Barrett)

The person concerned has applied for a licence to cultivate mussels on longlines in Kilmakilloge Harbour, County Kerry. To date some 14 aquaculture licences have been granted authorising mussel farming in Kilmakilloge Harbour and a number of applications are on hands in my Department, including that to which the question refers.

Concerns have been expressed both by growers and my Department's technical services as to the capacity of the water body in the harbour to sustain optimum growth levels for mussel cultivation. My Department's engineering service is currently undertaking a technical survey of the harbour to establish the level of sustainable development possible for mussel farming. Pending the outcome of the survey and assessment, it is not possible to determine the scope for additional licensed sites, if any. It is my Department's intention to complete the survey as quickly as possible.