Vol. 498 No. 1
59 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the level of research undertaken to the effect mussel farming on the open seas may have on the macro economy of that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25729/98]
Data from BIM, shows that, based on 1996 figures, the total farm gate value of rope mussels was £3.375 million which had an estimated value added to the national economy at point of first sale of £3.1 million. The gross output of rope mussels at secondary stage was £9.24 million with a value added to the economy of £5.415 million. This represents a total value added to the economy of £8.515 million.
Approximately 75 per cent of the rope mussel industry is based in the south west, with the remaining farms located in areas such as Mulroy Bay, Clew Bay and Killary Harbour. Processing of rope mussels is undertaken in Cork, Mayo and Donegal.
The bottom culture of mussels features strongly in Carlingford Lough, Wexford Harbour, Waterford Harbour, Cromane Harbour, Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle. In 1997 over 10,000 tonnes of bottom culture mussels were produced giving a farm gate value of £3.2 million with a value added to the economy of an estimated £2.71 million. An indicative annual return per hectare of foreshore is £14,000 for both rope and bottom mussel cultivation which significantly exceeds the return from agriculture.
