Vol. 471 No. 5
170 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, he has to support the mariculture industry in the Carrigaholt area of County Clare; and if he will ensure that water quality remains at the highest standard in the oyster beds. [21343/96]
The Government is committed to the sustainable development of mariculture in coastal regions. A total of four development sites have been licensed to date, in the immediate Carrigaholt coastal area, authorising the West Clare Development Co-operative Society Ltd. and an individual to engage in shellfish culture, including oysters. A further three mariculture sites are currently under consideration for licensing to the local co-operative.
BIM has been working closely with both the co-operative and individual oyster growers in the development of aquaculture on the northern side of the Shannon Estuary. BIM has assisted a total of 31 projects in the region to develop oyster nursery and on-growing facilities with an aggregate investment of some £950,000 including Exchequer and EU grant aid.
Carrigaholt Bay has a high water quality classification and is listed as a Category "A" area under EC Directive 91/492/EEC which lays down the health conditions for the production and placing on the market of live bivalve molluscs. Category "A" classification allows live bivalve molluscs, including oysters, from the area to be harvested for direct human consumption.
