asked the Minister for Energy if he will confirm that the fish-farming project in one of the tanks at the Whiddy Island terminal, County Cork has the full support of the Government; and that any necessary guarantees in connection with the availability for the future of the tank for the project will be forthcoming.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Whiddy Island Fish-Farming Project.
13.
The Irish National Petroleum Corporation with the approval of the Minister for Energy engaged, on a joint venture basis, in the pilot fish-farming project at the Whiddy Island Oil Terminal which commenced in February 1987.
The pilot project, which is included in the Programme for National Recovery, is scheduled for completion by the end of 1988. At that stage the results will be analysed by all parties concerned and a decision made regarding the feasibility of proceeding with a fish-farming project on a commercial scale. A number of tanks have been provisionally allocated to this project should it proceed commercially after 1988.
Let me home in on the point which is of concern to me. I hope that the pilot project will work out well and all the indications are that it will be a strong commercial proposition. Would the Minister confirm that the necessary number of tanks will be made available for a continuation of the project so that its full potential can be exploited in the years ahead?
A number of tanks have provisionally been allocated to this project should it proceed commercially after 1988.
In the light of the Minister's reply I am now much happier but is he satisfied that the Norwegian company are happy with the extent of the commitment given in relation to the number of tanks?
I see no reason why they should not be. It was part of the agreement.