Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 3

Written Answers. - Aquaculture Development.

Austin Deasy

Question:

195 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that all the terms and conditions of the licences granted for an aqualculture development at Woodstown Strand, County Waterford, are being adhered to; if all licensees are operating within their licence area; and if the areas of access have been defined. [29042/01]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey):

The position is that only one operator currently holds a licence to engage in aquaculture at Woodstown Strand, County Waterford. That licence was issued by the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board following its consideration of an appeal against the decision to grant a licence. Four other licence decisions in respect of Woodstown Strand were also appealed and remain under consideration by the board.

A companion foreshore licence was also granted in respect of the operation in July 1999 to authorise access to the aquaculture site.

Having carefully examined the issues raised by the Deputy, I am satisfied that the licence holder is operating in compliance with the terms of the licence including the requirement to ensure that all equipment is placed within the licensed area only which must be accessed by a single designated route.

I am also aware that for a time, it was not possible to use this route because of impediments placed on the foreshore by a third party. I understand, however, that following legal action by the licensee, the obstruction was removed allowing unimpeded access to the licensed site.