Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Aquaculture Industry.

Austin Deasy

Question:

52 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to grant licences for shellfish projects at Woodstown Strand, County Waterford; and, if so, the measures, if any, he is taking to compensate net fishermen who traditionally fish that area. [3749/98]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

I assure the Deputy that in reaching a decision on licences in relation to aquaculture developments in Woodstown strand, the legitimate interests of all users of the area will be given due consideration. To this end a consultation process was initiated by the Department to seek the views of interested parties.

The objective of the consultation process was to arrive at a consensus on the sharing of responsibility for the rational development of aquaculture both in terms of oyster production and bottom mussel cultivation in the Waterford estuary. A meeting was held with local fishermen and it was agreed that groups comprised of all interested parties should be set up to agree a way forward. The Department also engaged in correspondence with solicitors acting on behalf of certain local fishermen with a view to establishing the nature and extent of their fishing activity including details of records of catch and the value thereof, in the case of fishermen deriving a substantial part of their earnings from fishing, details of tax returns and for those claiming social welfare entitlements, notification of earnings to the Department of Social Welfare.

The requested information has not been furnished to date. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of verifiable information on these issues it is not possible to deduce the likely economic impact on the activities of local fishermen which might result from the existing and proposed aquaculture developments in the estuary. In this regard I should also point out that the Department was informed by the solicitors that legal action was being initiated on behalf of the local fishermen against the owners of oyster cages at West Bank at Woodstown and the Department.

Notwithstanding the above, it is my wish that a consensus should be reached with existing users of the estuary. The licensing process requires careful scrutiny of proposals taking into account the views and interests of all the parties and these procedures will be rigorously followed. My intention is that existing applications for aquaculture licences will be dealt with under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997, which provides a comprehensive and independent appeals process in respect of any licensing decision.