Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2016
811. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the negotiations to conclude a management agreement for Lough Foyle area to facilitate the acquisition by the Loughs Agency of aquaculture licensing functions for the lough; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26983/16]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the management of aquaculture licensing functions in Lough Foyle gives rise to legal and jurisdictional complexities. Negotiations regarding the jurisdiction of the Lough Foyle area are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. I understand these discussions are ongoing.
My Department organises and participates in an inter-departmental working group which is pursuing a way forward in terms of the future management of aquaculture activities on Lough Foyle in parallel to a workable resolution to the complex jurisdictional issues involved. The latter aspect in particular requires careful and detailed consideration to bring about an agreed way forward.
