Bantry Bay kelp harvesting licence
Margaret Murphy O’Mahony objected to licensing mechanical harvesting of native kelp in Bantry Bay, citing harm to fishing and the local economy. The Minister said the condition was longstanding and agreed to meet her and monitor the licence.
I address my question to the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Damien English. Under the programme for Government, he committed to enhancing the fishing industry. Why then did he sign off on a licence to allow the mechanical harvesting of 1,806 acres of native kelp in Bantry Bay, which will have a detrimental effect on the fishing industry and the broader economy there?
Comment on this
The question refers to a condition that was signed off on by a Minister in the Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government back in 2011. It was again signed off on-----
Comment on this
It was the Minister of State who signed off on it.
Comment on this
It was further administered by the then Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly, at a later stage. We upgraded the condition recently. I am happy to meet the Deputy to discuss the issue, but it is a long-standing condition attached to a licence granted a long time ago. My role concerns the conditions attached to the licence in the past couple of months.
Comment on this
Will the Minister of State meet me to discuss the issue?
Comment on this
It is important that we monitor, control and keep an eye on the licence. I will be happy to discuss the issue with the Deputy at any stage.
Comment on this
Will the Minister of State meet me?