Vol. 523 No. 4
190 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the position regarding the cutting and gathering of seaweed in coastal areas which are designated as special areas of conservation. [21188/00]
191 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the position regarding oyster dredging and scallop dredging in the bays designated as special areas of conservation on the west coast of Galway. [21204/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.
The licensing of activities such as harvesting seaweed and dredging oysters and scallops is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources. Where such proposed activities are likely to have a significant effect on a special area of conservation, the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources must ensure that an appropriate assessment of the implications for the site is undertaken. My Department is consulted before a decision is taken on whether to grant a licence.
There is no general prohibition on such activities in SACs. Activities in a SAC only need to be restricted if they would reduce the existing conservation value of the site.
