Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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120. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on oyster reef restoration initiatives supported by his Department, including the restoration project off Dún Laoghaire; the objectives of that project in terms of marine biodiversity and fisheries habitat enhancement; and whether consideration is being given to supporting further oyster restoration projects in other areas of Dublin Bay, including along the north Dublin coastline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20862/26]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has funded a number of oyster restoration projects under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) since 2018. These projects are managed and co-ordinated by the Marine Institute and implemented in collaboration with community organisations and oyster co-operatives.

The projects are components of the Ireland-UK network of oyster restoration actions and of the Native Oyster Restoration Alliance (NORA) in Europe.

Oyster restoration projects have been undertaken in Galway Bay, Clew Bay, Kilkieran Bay, Lough Swilly and Tralee Bay. The projects are complemented by annual surveys of oyster biomass in these areas which are conducted by the Marine Institute.

Separately, in 2025 the Marine Institute also awarded funding of €1.5 million under the Marine Research Programme to the BRICONS project (BRICONS - www.briconsproject.com/), which is an all-island partnership of universities, led by University College Dublin, which aims to restore native oyster reefs.

As it was not possible in the time available to prepare a comprehensive update on these projects, I have asked my Department to prepare a detailed update for the Deputy, which will be provided directly in due course.

As regards future oyster restoration projects in Dublin Bay or elsewhere, I would note that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is leading the development of Ireland's national restoration plan, as required under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR). The national plan will include provisions regarding marine ecosystems. My Department is providing input in relation to this aspect, and Department officials have attended the NRR Inter-Departmental Working Group on the Sea (Article 5) since it was established in February 2025.

I am aware that oyster is a component habitat of Group 3 habitats (shellfish beds) under Article 5 of the NRR, and that any restoration targets will be set out in Ireland's national restoration plan. Queries in relation to the preparation of the national restoration plan should be referred to my colleague Christopher O'Sullivan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity.