Vol. 552 No. 1
507 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if Dúchas has been allocated funding to study the effects of aquaculture on marine habitats on the Donegal coastline; if such a study has been carried out or is under way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11434/02]
No specific funding has been allocated to Dúchas to study the effects of aquaculture on marine habitats on the Donegal coastline and there are currently no proposals to carry out such a study. Dúchas commissioned a report in 1997 on the potential impacts and management strategies for aquaculture and marine harvesting in special protection areas, those designated under the birds directive. The report covered the entire country and did not focus on any particular county.
It is intended in the near future, however, to prepare a conservation plan for Mulroy Bay in County Donegal as a candidate special area of conservation under the habitats directive. The plan will be prepared in consultation with users, State authorities and agencies. My colleague, the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, is responsible for aquaculture and the marine environment and therefore has a duty under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997, to ensure that development in marine areas does not have a significantly damaging impact on candidate special areas of conservation or special protection areas. Dúchas is consulted in this regard and provides advice as appropriate.
