Foreshore Licences Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2013

Tuesday, 8 October 2013

Questions (375)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

375. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the circumstances in which a foreshore licence application would be referred to the Chief State Solicitor’s office; the total number of foreshore licences applications referred to the Chief State Solicitor's office per year over the past ten years; the average length of time those applications referred remained in the Chief State Solicitor’s office; the current number of foreshore licence applications currently with the Chief State Solicitor’s office; if he considers the referral of a foreshore licence application to the Chief State Solicitor’s office to be normal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42385/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

The vast majority of foreshore applications dealt with by my Department are ultimately referred to the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO) for drafting of formal foreshore lease or licence documents. This is a matter of normal administrative routine. Currently, in excess of 100 foreshore applications are being processed by the CSSO. The detailed historical information requested is not available in readily accessible form, however, and its compilation would involve a disproportionate level of staff time and cost. The circumstances in which legal advice on individual applications may be sought from the CSSO may involve conveyancing, litigation or general advisory matters. The details of such requests are legally privileged.