Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
268. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that marine notices published for geophysical, geotechnical and other regulated works include details of their foreshore licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41068/22]
View answerIreland is a party to the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. In line with our responsibilities under this Convention and specifically Chapter V on Safety of Navigation, any state party to the Convention has an obligation, in accordance with Regulation 4 of this Chapter, to issue navigation warnings and to take all steps necessary to ensure that when intelligence of any potential danger is received from whatever reliable source, that it shall be promptly be brought to the knowledge of those concerned.
In this regard my Department publishes such navigation warnings in the form of marine notices once notified of any activities or operations that may impact safety of navigation. Marine Notices of this kind are issued purely for safety information purposes regardless of the type of operation taking place and should never be construed as conferring rights or granting permissions. Furthermore, my Department has no role in providing approvals or granting lawful consents for any such surveys or works that may require a foreshore licence and has no role in determining when such licences should be sought. In addition, marine notices always provide direct contact details for those involved in any particular operation, allowing interested parties to seek further information if they wish to, including in relation to licences and approvals.
I understand that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regularly update the government website with details of foreshore applications and determinations which will likely detail the information you are seeking. www.gov.ie/en/collection/3f624-foreshore-applications-and-determinations-2022/
