Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1571. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason for the delay in renewing harvesting licences for seaweed companies and traditional harvesters here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31271/14]
View answerSection 3(6) of the Foreshore Act 1933 prohibits the inclusion of any covenant or agreement for the renewal of a foreshore licence. Accordingly, the issue of the renewal of foreshore licences does not arise.
Under section 3 of the Foreshore Act 1933, a licence is required to harvest seaweed from State owned foreshore. Where a foreshore licence has expired a new licence application is required which is subject to a full assessment by my Department. All applications on hand are being assessed in the context of the relevant regulatory framework including obligations that arise under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. Delays in finalising applications can occur when material needed to support such applications, such as a Natura Impact Statement, is deemed insufficient and supplementary information has to be sought from applicants.
