Aquaculture Licence Appeals

Tuesday, 24 September 2019

Questions (388)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

388. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding fishermen in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38276/19]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable national and EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.

Ministerial decisions have been made in respect of a number of Aquaculture licence applications for Wexford Harbour.

Appeals against Ministerial decisions in respect of Aquaculture Licence applications are considered by the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) which is an independent body established by Statute for that purpose. Full details of the appeals process can be obtained at: http://www.alab.ie/appealsprocess/.

As the appeals against these decisions may currently be submitted to ALAB and in view of the independent status of ALAB, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the matter at this stage.