asked the Minister for the Marine the reason for the delay in the designation and licensing of various bays for aquaculture purposes; whether these delays are hindering the orderly development of the industry; and the steps he proposes to take to deal with the matter.
Written Answers. - Development of Aquaculture.
18.
I would take the view that designation and licensing should proceed as expeditiously as possible, but that adequate care must be taken to ensure that projects are properly considered by my technical experts before they are licensed.
The problem really arose because the industry developed ahead of the licensing and designation process — before the Department of the Marine was set up. Technical considerations, public attitudes, certain judicial decisions and the new requirement under EC legislation to have specific environmental impact assessments carried out in a defined format have all had an impact.
Notwithstanding these factors, considerable progress has been made over recent months in relation to the licensing of projects in the 16 areas which have been designated for aquaculture to date. In addition, and in response to the developments which I have outlined, a new programme of designation is being drawn up. In this connection my Department and BIM are working on the assembly of the necessary scientific data to underpin further decisions in relation to designation and licensing. A sum of £100,000 has been earmarked for this purpose. I envisage the expenditure of similar sums in future years in order to provide a sound base for the development of aquaculture in harmony with the environment: other water users will also be taken into account.