Foreshore Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022

Wednesday, 13 July 2022

Questions (223)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

223. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the content and date of observations submitted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to the consent process conducted by the Department in relation to offshore geophysical survey work detailed in Marine Notice 43 of 2022 issued by the Department of Transport at locations offshore from Dublin and counties Louth and Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38219/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The work detailed in Marine Notice 43/2022, issued by the Department of Transport, related to an intention by Lir Offshore Array to conduct geophysical survey works as part of a scientific data gathering exercise. Grid references provided in the Notice indicate operations are entirely outside of the 12 nautical mile limit.  My Department did not receive any communication from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to these operations. 

No consent has been granted by my Department under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations (SI 477 of 2011) or the Foreshore Act (1933). The Marine Notice does not specify the precise nature of the works.