Written answers

Tuesday, 6 November 2012

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Inland Fisheries

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will update Dáil Éireann on the condition of fishery sites (details supplied) and the impact of a separate oyster fishery on the condition of these sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48650/12]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I am advised that the oyster fishery and other fisheries and aquaculture activities in Lough Swilly, are currently the subject of an appropriate assessment (AA) under Article 6.3 of the EU Habitats Directive. This assessment, which, in common with a range of assessments nationally, is being undertaken by the Marine Institute (MI), and will identify the impacts of the fishery on the conservation objectives for habitats and species for which the site is designated in the Directive.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and MI assisted the Lough Swilly Oyster Society to develop a 5-year oyster fishery plan/proposal early in 2012, to facilitate the “appropriate assessment” of the oyster fishery. This included measures to control naturalised pacific oyster and separate measures to restore native oyster beds in areas in which they were previously common.

I am advised that the Marine Institute are to complete the AA before end of 2012 and they will then forward the assessment to the relevant authorities, including IFI. It is expected that the assessment will be published before year end.

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