Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2016
199. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the reason the UNESCO world heritage Burren and Cliffs of Moher site was excluded from the environmental impact assessment screening process in relation to a foreshore lease application (details supplied) to construct an offshore electricity generating station on Galway Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33471/16]
View answerMy Department is currently awaiting comments from the applicant in respect of the 555 public submissions received by my Department during the public consultation period before undertaking any such assessment.
The next stage in the process is that the Marine Licence Vetting Committee (MLVC), an ad hoc multi-disciplinary advisory body, will undertake a technical evaluation of the application and the accompanying supporting documentation. All aspects of the application and its supporting documentation together with any issues raised by the public, prescribed bodies or other interests will be carefully considered by the MLVC within the context of the applicable legislative framework (including EIA and Appropriate Assessment legislation).
