Beverley Flynn
Question:173 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if a tractor can be used for traditional seaweed harvesting. [19440/01]
Written Answers. - Seaweed Harvesting.
I would like to emphasise that designation of a site does not necessarily require the curtailment of traditional maritime or agricultural activities. Indeed, the survival of these vulnerable habitats is testament to the sustainable nature of the activities traditionally conducted there. On that basis I have no hesitation in supporting their continuance. I would, however, ask that anyone who wishes to engage in the harvesting of seaweed in special areas of conservation (SACs) should first consult with their local Dúchas office. This is particularly important where equipment such as tractor-borne machinery is used as damage may arise in some cases. Each case needs to be assessed individually but in most cases there should be no difficulty in approving particular activities that are part of traditional seaweed harvesting.