Jim Higgins
Question:283 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine if it proposed to grant a foreshore licence to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1108/95]
Written Answers. - County Mayo Foreshore Licence.
Applications from the person concerned have been made for a Fish Culture Licence and a Foreshore Licence so as to engage in shellfish farming. Both licence applications are being processed simultanously.
Applications for licences to engage in shellfish farming are subject to evaluation by the Aquaculture Licence Vetting Committee, a multidisciplinary advisory body, which brings together relevant expertise from within the Department of the Marine and from the Central Fisheries Board. Applications are assessed from all technical, scientific and other relevant perspectives to determine the suitability of proposals. This evaluation process is further informed by a public consultation process.
The duration and the outcome of the decision making process in individual cases inevitably varies depending on the technical considerations and particular local circumstances involved.
The application raised by the Deputy is being progressed through this assessment/evaluation process. Mapping of the area concerned (there are a number of applications for Killala Bay with the Department) is being undertaken. The consultation procedures are also underway. I would like to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to process the application in question as expeditiously as possible.