Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 8

Written Answers. - Salmon Cages Licences.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

194 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine if he will refuse to issue licences permitting salmon cages to be placed near Drumnacarraig Beach at Lough Swilly, County Donegal; if the issuing of such licences would be in breach of the EEC Directive 76/464 on pollution; and if Ireland has been so advised by the EU Commission in a formal letter under Article 169 of the EU Treaty. [7534/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

The High Court judgment of 4 November 1994 restraining the granting of licences to engage in salmon farming at the location in question has been appealed to the Supreme Court. It is not proposed to pre-empt the outcome of the judicial process.

The requirements of EU Directive 76/464 in relation to discharges from marine fish farms are being addressed, in consultation with the Department of the Environment, in the proposed legislation for the licensing and regulation of aquaculture which I will be bringing to Government shortly. The EU Commission is being formally advised of the action being taken to address the issues raised in the Commission's recent letter concerning the applicability of the directive to marine fish farms.