To ask the Minister for Agriculture if, having regard to the serious loss sustained by local fishermen owing to trawling between Wicklow Head and Bray Head, he will consider the fixing of a line between these Heads, and the taking of such steps as may be necessary to prohibit trawling within that line.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - EAST COAST TRAWLING.
The only trawling ground between Wicklow Head and Bray Head is a patch near Wicklow where a small boat might work a trawl occasionally. A line drawn between these Heads would, therefore, be of little value.
I may say that I have already promised that Public Inquiries will be held in connection with a proposal to prohibit trawling within three miles of a line extending from Howth Head to Wicklow Head. The line fishermen in Wicklow who, as far as I know, have made no complaint of trawling, will have an opportunity of presenting their case before these Public Inquiries.