Vol. 498 No. 1
60 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the possibility of gravel extraction from the sea bed off the south and east coast; if an environmental impact assessment study has been carried out; and if the impact on fishing for herring and shellfish status in particular has been considered. [26554/98]
Following a procedure which included the preparation and publication of an Environmental Impact Statement, a licence was granted in May 1997 to extract a maximum of 800,000m 3 of sand and gravel from the foreshore in Cork Harbour for use as backfill in the Lee Tunnel. Due to delays which subsequently arose the licensee was unable to complete the extraction work by the end of 1997, as specified in the licence, and had to submit a further application to extract up to 200,000m 3. Notice of this application was published in The Examiner in July 1998. The applicant has since reduced the amount sought to be extracted to 10,000m 3. Examination of the case has recently been completed and I hope to be in a position to make a decision very soon on the application.
An application was received to extract marine aggregates from an area south of Waterford Harbour. Notice of this application was published in July 1998 and an EIS was put on public display. My Department's specialists are currently examining objections (including those which refer to the herring and shellfish fisheries) which were received together with the applicant's comments thereon. I will take all aspects of the matter into account when coming to a decision in this case.
Bray Urban District Council plan to remove gravel from the Codling Bank to be used for coastal protection works at Bray. Approval under the Foreshore Acts followed preparation and publication of an EIS and examination of objections. The proposed dredge area is 0.255 Km 2 out of a total area of 200 Km 2 i.e. 1 800th of the area in question. Mindful of the concerns of fishermen, however, I have instructed that Bray UDC should ensure that adequate notice is given to allow for the removal of whelks from the proposed dredge area prior to dredging commencing. A liaison arrangement has been provided to ensure that the concerns of fishermen continue to be addressed.
The Department has received a number of applications and inquiries in relation to possible extraction of sand and gravel off the east coast. As these applications involve potentially much larger areas than those previously considered, and conscious of the need to examine them thoroughly and equitably, having regard to the competing interests of applicants in addition to issues such as the marine environment, fisheries and navigation, it is considered necessary to first establish a framework which takes account of different statutory and policy requirements. This involves extensive consultation both within my Department and with other Departments and agencies. This process has commenced.
