Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2009
1060 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will permit an association (details supplied) in County Louth who have proof of ownership of a vessel, to participate in cockle fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33720/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dundalk Cockle fishery was reopened on 30 September 2009. As the fishery operates in a conservation area designated under the Habitats and Birds Directives, access to the fishery is strictly limited as required under the published Fisheries Natura Plan. The access rules were put in place taking into account the scientific advice on the outtake of the fishery. Access to the fishery was restricted to those applicants with licensed and registered vessels that could show track record of having targeted cockles in Dundalk Bay in any of the years from 2004-2007, inclusive. In addition, persons could apply for a permit to hand gather cockles. The application forms for the fishery were publicly advertised on 22 September 2009. Vessel owners who applied and met these conditions were granted Permits to fish and all hand gatherers who applied were granted Permits. The application period is now closed.
