Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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211. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if the licence granted to a company (details supplied) for the mechanical harvesting of kelp in Bantry Bay overrides all other licences operating in the area; if fishermen that leave their fishing equipment in the kelp cutting licence area do so at their own risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17036/19]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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The licence in question provides for the harvesting of kelp in specific areas of Bantry Bay in rotation. The areas to be harvested are outlined in the original application and supporting documentation which is available on my Department's website at www.housing.gov.ie/planning/foreshore/applications/bioatlantis-ltd.

The licence does not confer exclusive use of the areas and under the licence less than 1% of the Bay would be subject to harvest annually. 

The harvesting method permitted under the licence entails applying moderate suction to draw the algae into the cutter, which is controlled by the use of sonar, ensuring that the cutting tool remains 25 centimeters above the seafloor or anything resting on it.