Aquaculture Development.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2006

Thursday, 6 July 2006

Ceisteanna (291)

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

289 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will intervene and support the proposals of local mussel carriers in the Killary area; his views on whether an independent facilitator should be appointed who will hear the views of all the farmers to enter into a long term sustainable plan for the industry and an agreed structure to ensure that such a plan is implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27541/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

The Co-ordinated Local Aquaculture Management Systems (CLAMS) is the process put in place by the Department, in conjunction with BIM, the Marine Institute and the industry, to facilitate the management and the development of aquaculture, at local level, in bays and inshore waters throughout Ireland. BIM continue to provide assistance to individual CLAMS groups to support them in their role.

I am fully supportive of the CLAMS initiatives around the coast, which are a valuable tool in the local management of aquaculture. As the CLAMS are local management structures, the proposals referred to by the Deputy, are a matter for the Killary CLAMS group.