Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. I welcome this Bill, which is probably a precursor to a more important Bill regarding planning and all that goes with it. Marine planning is a complex area, covering a variety of sectors, especially with regard to renewables, which are important but difficult under the planning system that we have in this country. I urge those in the Houses of the Oireachtas who can to visit the Marine Institute in Oranmore in Galway. I commend the team for all the work it has done there in the many years it has been involved. It has done tremendous work. If one looks at the maps provided, which the Marine Institute has worked on, one will see what it calls the real map of Ireland, the current designated Irish continental shelf, which is more than ten times the area of the landmass of Ireland. Work began on that project in 1999 and continues today as the integrated mapping for the sustainable development of Ireland's marine resource, INFOMAR, project. It is a joint venture between the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Marine Institute. It is an important area. It does tremendous work. It is an ongoing project. I have served in the Department with responsibility for natural resources in the past. This area is impressive and important.

Like others, I also touch on the area of Rockall. For those fishers who relied on a catch in the areas around Rockall, the current scenario is detrimental to their economic well-being. I have spoken to fishermen who traditionally would have got 40% of their income from Rockall. It is a problematic area and I urge ongoing engagement between the Minister of State's Department, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and the Scottish authorities.