Written answers

Tuesday, 5 April 2011

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Aquaculture Licences

3:00 pm

Photo of Noel GrealishNoel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding oyster dredging licences in the Clarinbridge Dunbulken Bay which were issued for the year 2011. [6622/11]

Photo of Noel GrealishNoel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the criteria put in place following the issuing of oyster dredging licences; if the number of licenses issued will be increased; if he will outline the regulation and forward a copy of the direction issued to Inland Fisheries Ireland on these licences; the person who has the final say on the cap of these fishing licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6623/11]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.

The Deputy may be aware that oyster fishing licences are issued by Inland Fisheries Ireland in accordance with Section 278 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 (as amended). I understand that the Oyster fishery in Clarinbridge is located in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC No. 000268). Under the Habitats Directive (as transposed by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997)) it is necessary that, in advance of any activity taking place in the SAC, an appropriate assessment is undertaken to ensure that the fishery achieves the conservation objectives for protected species in the area. I am aware that the Marine Institute undertakes such assessment in respect of consents issued by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and I understand that the Marine Institute will also take account of oyster licences in any assessment of SACs.

Given that an Appropriate Assessment of this SAC has not yet been undertaken and, in accordance with section 278 (5)(a) of the 1959 Act, Inland Fisheries Ireland has adopted an approach to the issue of licences that would not contribute to the intensification of the oyster fishery, until such time as the outcome of an Appropriate Assessment has been determined. The future licensing of the fishery will be informed by the results of the Appropriate Assessment and the appropriate consent of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and in the context of the management of inshore fisheries generally.

Consequently, in accordance with the statute, Inland Fisheries Ireland are to ensure specifically that the maximum number of oyster fishing licences issued in 2011 shall not exceed the number issued in 2010 or the average number of oyster fishing licences issued for the last five years, whichever is the greater.

I have been informed by Inland Fisheries Ireland that the average number of licences issued over the past 5 years in the Galway Fishery District was 16, but in 2010 17 licences were issued. Consequently 17 licences have been issued for the current season.

I will arrange for a copy of the correspondence between my Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland in this matter to be forwarded to the Deputy for his information as requested.

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