Aquaculture Licence Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2019

Tuesday, 2 July 2019

Questions (546)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

546. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm receipt of a letter of observation and petition opposing an application (details supplied) for an aquaculture licence at Dungloe Bay, County Donegal; if due process and all relevant legal requirements have been adhered to with respect to this application to date in addition to the requirements in relation to public notification and consultation periods; the venue at which all documents in relation to the application were open for public viewing; when a determination will be made with respect to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28216/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Applications for aquaculture licences are considered by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable national and EU legislation.

The legislation provides for a period of public and statutory consultation in respect of licence applications received, including the applications referred to by the Deputy. Observations received on foot of the public consultation process are automatically acknowledged by my Department.

As the licence applications are currently under active consideration by my Department as part of a statutory process, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time.