Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
1047. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department will be making changes to guidelines for ocean seismic testing in view of new evidence published in 2017 and 2018 on the deadly impacts it can have on krill and zooplankton populations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25695/18]
View answerThe Government’s integrated marine plan “Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth” recognises the importance of Ireland’s rich marine biodiversity and ecosystems. The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, as regulator of petroleum authorisations, including seismic surveys, aims to ensure that such surveys are carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner. Applications to undertake seismic surveys are assessed in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. An evaluation of the potential environmental effects of any proposed seismic survey is carried out by my Department’s independent environmental consultants.
Consultation also takes place with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to provide its observations in terms of Natura 2000 sites, where relevant, and Annex IV species (Cetaceans) in accordance with the Habitats Directive. The Department positively engages with other international regulators and is informed and mindful of scientific studies relating to the sector. Policy and practices are regularly reviewed in accordance with international best practice in this area.
