Fisheries Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023

Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Questions (402)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

402. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 26 October 2023, if his attention has been drawn to reports of recent trawling activity by large vessels (details supplied) in and around the Glengarriff Special Area of Conservation site 00090; the details of any permits provided to these vessels to fish in and around the Glengarriff SAC site; the details of any appropriate assessment carried out to ensure that this pair trawling activity observed on 12 October 2023 and 8 November 2023 would not significantly disturb or endanger the species for which the site was designated, or that it would not have other significant impacts on the SAC and protected species such as harbour porpoises and common dolphins which hunt sprat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49976/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I have received recent correspondence regarding fishing within the coastal bays of Cork and Kerry.

Further to my answers to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 26 October 2023, 43 of 13 July 2023 and 87 of 25th of May 2023 I remain committed to ensuring inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels and my Department has sought up-to-date scientific and economic advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, respectively, on trawling in the waters inside the six nautical miles. I look forward to receiving policy options for my consideration .