Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects the examination of aquaculture operations in Ardgroom Harbour at Beara in County Cork to be completed in order that new applications may be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4412/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A review of aquaculture operations in Ardgroom Harbour is being undertaken with a view to ensuring that longlines deployed for the cultivation of mussels are compliant with licence requirements and configured so as to optimise navigational safety and minimise visual impacts.

The Department, in conjunction with Bord Iascaigh Mhara, is examining various proposals and the aim is that, in the coming months, agreement will be reached on the optimum arrangements for the future disposition of longlines in the harbour. Discussions towards this end have taken place within the coordinated local aquaculture management system, CLAMS, plan for the harbour and it is understood that detailed proposals will be circulated shortly.

While the Department does not have any new applications for licences in Ardgroom on hand, any such application would be considered on its merits. In assessing the scope for additional activity within the harbour, account would be taken of a number of factors including carrying capacity, navigational safety and visual impacts.