Vol. 508 No. 2
77 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reason he has not provided a detailed response to representations made to him in July 1999 on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Meath concerning the future of mussel fishing; if the correspondence will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18436/99]
As I advised the Deputy in writing on 20 May 1999, agreement was reached between the Drogheda Port Company and the Mornington Fishermen's Association representing mussel fishermen, and confirmed and supported by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, to provide compensation for loss of earnings arising from the dredging works; a post-dredge mussel bed reseeding programme; and compensation for loss in livelihood should the reseeding fail.
It was agreed that the extraction of mussels would stop for a period of four years to allow the rejuvenation of the mussel beds after reseeding. Mussel fishing may commence before the end of the four year period if expert opinion indicates that the mussel beds are replenished. The level of compensation payable by the Drogheda Port Company to the mussel fishermen for loss of earnings during this period is based on annual mussel catch of 500 tons at £140 per ton, which is £70,000 per annum. The first £70,000 has already been made available for draw down by the fishermen.
The agreement provided for the appointment of an independent arbitrator who assisted in the calculation and disbursement of compensation moneys. The arbitrator was also available to meet any mussel fishermen who wished to make a case.
Prior to the completion of the mussel bed restoration and in satisfaction of clause 13 of the foreshore licence, the port company is required to lodge and maintain a bond to the value of £420,000 which will be executed in favour of the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. The bond will be sufficient to capitalise payments to mussel fishermen for losses in livelihood as a result of the dredging should the mussel beds not be returned to current levels of productivity.
With regard to the physical aspect of the mussel beds reseeding, a shellfish expert has been engaged by the port company to implement the reseeding programme after dredging takes place. These arrangements will be overseen and monitored by the Mornington Fishermen's Association, the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board and the Drogheda Port Company.
If any mussel fisherman is aware of some evidence that leads him to believe that the mussel beds will not rejuvenate to their former productivity, I am assured by the chief executive of Drogheda Port Company, that he would be pleased to arrange a meeting with the company's shellfish expert to advise on his concerns.
