Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 March 2017
300. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the impact of a foreshore application (details supplied) on the Wild Atlantic Way route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10518/17]
View answer301. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether an application (details supplied) for a foreshore lease may have a negative impact on present and future tourism jobs and enterprise opportunities on the Wild Atlantic Way route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10519/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 300 and 301 together.
While overall responsibility for the application referred to in the Deputy's question rests with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland, commissioned an assessment of the proposed Galway Bay Marine and Renewable Energy Test Site at Spiddal, Co. Galway, to determine the potential impacts of the proposed development on tourism amenity.
It is the policy of Fáilte Ireland to support the development of sustainable and renewable energy generation facilities at appropriate locations and in accordance with proper planning and development. The assessment found that, in relation to changed views of Galway Bay, these impacts are not significantly different from the existing activities which take place in this working bay, and that there is unlikely to be any significant negative impact on tourism in the area arising from the current proposal.
Fáilte Ireland has also made a number of recommendations with regard to the conditions that would apply to any foreshore consent.
