Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 March 2017
170. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will approve the natura fishing plan for Castlemaine Harbour 2016-2026 in view of the fact studies by the Marine Institute and BIM are complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15625/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI approved the new Fisheries Natura Plan for mussel seed fishing in Castlemaine Harbour, Co. Kerry, on 13 March 2017 following appropriate assessment which determined that the fishing activities described in the Plan will not affect the integrity of the features of the designated Natura 2000 sites.
The Plan was prepared by the Bottom Grown Mussel Consultative Forum's Secretariat (provided by Bord Iascaigh Mhara) on behalf of the Castlemaine Harbour Co-operative Society Limited (persons affected by the designation) in consultation with the Society's Committee of Management, BIM and local mussel operators. As part of the appropriate assessment process, the Marine Institute prepared an assessment report and both documents were issued for consultation. In making my determination, I took account of advice received from the Marine Institute, views received during the consultation, relevant legislation, as well as the matters concerning the management of the mussel seed fishery resource.
The process governing the assessment and consideration of the Fisheries Natura Plan is set out in the European Union (Birds and Natural Habitats) (Sea-fisheries) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 290 of 2013). The Plan and associated documents are being made available on the website www.fishingnet.ie, the Government's commercial sea-fishing network portal.
