Vol. 470 No. 7
280 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine the proposals, if any, he has to encourage further development of an industry (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the recent inactivity of the indigenous operator and in view of the previous importance of this industry to this location. [19926/96]
281 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the potential to create 12 full-time jobs and many part-time jobs in an industry (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the encouragement, if any, he will give to fulfil such potential. [19927/96]
282 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine whether a survey to ascertain the amount of harvestable seaweed off an area of coastline in County Mayo has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19928/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 280, 281 and 282 together.
There is acknowledged potential for further development of the Irish seaweed sector in terms of primary production and value added products. Arramara Teoranta, which is 51 per cent owned by the State, is the major player in the sector with an annual turnover of over £2 million employing 30 people full-time at its two production facilities in Connemara and Donegal and over 500 workers on a seasonal basis along the western seaboard. Arramara Teo. has recently prepared a three year corporate strategy plan, at my request, which is being considered by my Department at present, and which envisages incremental expansion in production over the medium-term.
There has been a welcome and growing increase in entrepreneurial activity generally in the seaweed sector in recent years which has led to the establishment of the Irish Seaweed Industry Organisation which is pursuing further development opportunities for the industry. Future sustainable development of the seaweed resource will depend primarily on the extent and nature of that resource and, to that end, a comprehensive national scientific survey of seaweed resources around the coast is currently under way. This major project is a joint initiative by Arramara Teo., the Irish Seaweed Industry Organisation, UCG and UCC and is being funded under the Marine Research Measure of the Operational Programme for Fisheries. The survey is due for completion next year and the data obtained will critically inform future sustainable development strategies for the seaweed sector throughout coastal regions.
