Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 31 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 3

Written Answers. - Aquaculture Development.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

68 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will elaborate on the new framework for aquaculture development; if the necessity for an environmental impact study will apply to all applications for aquaculture licences; and the provision, if any, he has made to cater for the huge amount of infrastructural improvements that are needed, including improvements and extensions to slipways and piers, to facilitate the expansion of the industry. [8094/98]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

The Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997, when operative, in the next month or two, will provide a modern licensing framework for all aquaculture, including an independent Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board to consider appeals against licensing decisions. A full environmental impact assessment will be required for all proposed finfish developments, and the extent to which an environmental impact study will be required in other cases is under consideration. Applications for licences will be considered on a bay by bay basis as to take account of all relevant factors including environmental impacts. Funding has been provided on an ongoing basis under the Operational Programme for Fisheries 1094-1999 for the upgrading of piers and slipways which service the aquaculture industry. The acknowledged infrastructure requirements of the industry will continue to be prioritised and addressed, within the limitations of currently available funding for fishery harbour development.