Aquaculture Licence Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Questions (351)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

351. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 574 of 19 November 2013, if further progress has been made regarding this application; if the outcome of the appropriate assessment has been completed in respect of Donegal Bay; if the applications in respect of Donegal Bay are currently being decided; the anticipated timeframe involved in determining the decisions on outstanding applications for this bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27824/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Appropriate Assessment in respect of Donegal Bay has been completed by the Marine Institute.

My Department is currently examining the general licensing issues that arise for consideration as a result of the Appropriate Assessment. This process is ongoing and it is expected that the public consultation stage of the licensing process will commence shortly.

The average timeframe for processing each particular application varies depending on location, species, scale and intensity of production, statutory status of sites, potential visual impact etc. Other factors include consideration of any submissions or observations raised during the public consultation period.

My Department continues to make every effort to expedite the determination of the Donegal Bay aquaculture licence applications having regard to the need to comply with all relevant national and EU legislation.