Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014
210. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding a berth in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10549/14]
View answerThe use of private boats in the area referred to by the Deputy is regulated by way of mooring discs or pegs. In a scheme introduced in 1991, following lengthy consultation with interested parties, mooring discs were issued to all boat owners having a recognised traditional mooring right, subject to an overall limit on the number of discs issued. It is considered that a limit is necessary so as to balance recreational use with the conservation imperative of flora and fauna of the area and also taking account of obligations under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. My Department does not permit the casual placing of boats on a daily basis, as boats and engines coming from outside carry the risk of spreading invasive alien species such as zebra mussels and various pond weeds. To facilitate others, persons applying for mooring pegs are placed on a waiting list and any pegs becoming available are allocated to those on the list. In order to facilitate the short-term accommodation of some of those on the waiting list, they are entered into a lottery each year for one of 20 temporary mooring pegs. The 2014 lottery took place on 20 February last under the supervision of Department officials and local angling club members. Offers of discs have since issued to those persons drawn from the lottery.
My Department receives numerous requests for mooring spaces but, unfortunately, the demand far exceeds the number of spaces available. My Department is currently in the process of reviewing all issues relating to the ongoing management of the site in question, including all boating activities, with a view to developing a more long-term and sustainable strategy.
