Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she will take to ensure the continued viability of the shellfish industry in an area (details supplied); and if a contingency arrangement has been approved by her Department officials to ensure that due process will take place and that there is no threat to this industry as a result. [35828/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department currently has overall responsibility for the implementation of the Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923/EEC), pending its onward transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in accordance with the government decision taken on the 9 October. This directive has been enacted through SI 268/2006 and Clew Bay is designated as a Shellfish Water under these regulations. As a designated water, an ongoing action plan has been implemented to protect and improve these waters, consisting of a testing regime and ongoing analysis of the pressures on the bay.

Local Authorities and the EPA are listed in the regulations (SI 268/2006) as relevant Public Authorities. Mayo County Council and the EPA were advised of their responsibilities under the Directive in June 2006. The Council and the EPA are therefore aware of their duty to protect the shellfish waters in Clew Bay from contaminants set out in schedule 2 of the regulations.My Department has been in regular contact with Mayo County Council throughout the year and the Council is fully aware of its obligation to protect these waters, in accordance with the provisions of the Shellfish Waters Directive.