Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
780. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current status of the five-year management plan for a cockle fishery (details supplied); the role of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in setting harvest limits; the way in which the requirement to maintain food resources for overwintering birds is balanced with the socioeconomic needs of the 28 licenceholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6585/26]
View answerDundalk Bay contains a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area for birds as part of Ireland's Natura 2000 network. This area is of national and international importance for over 20 species of birds. Specific Conservation Objectives for these bird species have been established by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
I can advise the Deputy that the last Fisheries Natura Plan for cockle (Cerastoderma edule) in Dundalk Bay covered the five-year period from 2021 to 2025. I understand that the cockle fishers in the area are currently preparing a new draft Fisheries Natura Plan for cockle in Dundalk Bay from 2026, with assistance from the marine agencies, and will submit this to my Department in due course.
Once my Department receives the draft Plan on behalf of industry, the Plan would then undergo screening, and potentially require appropriate assessment in order to assess if any relevant fishing activities would be likely to impact on the Conservation Objectives set for the habitats, birds, and other species in this area. The process governing the assessment and consideration of Fisheries Natura Plans is set out in the European Union (Birds and Natural Habitats) (Sea-fisheries) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 290 of 2013).
I can inform the Deputy that scientific advice on the Dundalk Cockle fishery is provided to my Department annually by the Marine Institute. If sufficient biomass (tonnage) of cockles in the Bay is reported following the survey work, a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) is advised by the Marine Institute, taking account of the harvest rate rules as may be approved in any forthcoming Fisheries Natura Plan. While NPWS does not set fishing harvest rules or limits, this body does have the opportunity to provide comments and observations as part of the consultation phase associated with any potential appropriate assessment process regarding the draft Fisheries Natura Plan.
Any fishery management measures that may be prescribed following the assessment process would also take account of the ecological requirements as they relate to Dundalk Bay. I am advised that the Marine Institute continues to undertake monitoring and research in respect of the food resources in the area for overwintering birds and can provide further advice on this as needed. I remain aware of the importance that the Dundalk Cockle fishery needs to be operated in a sustainable manner, while carefully considering the balance between environmental protection and the viability of the fishery.
