Aquaculture Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023

Tuesday, 14 February 2023

Questions (881)

Noel Grealish

Question:

881. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his Department on 7 December 2017 issued an aquaculture licence (details supplied) when it has been established under FOI legislation that no appropriate assessment screening as required under the EU Habitats Directive was conducted by either Inland Fisheries Ireland or a third party to evaluate any potential impacts on the integrity of a site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6516/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The establishment to which the Deputy is referring to was issued with a licence on the 7th of December 2017.

Applications for aquaculture licences are considered by the Department in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, the Foreshore Act 1933 (as amended) and applicable national and EU legislation. The licensing process is complex and involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisors, as well as various Statutory Consultees.

The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation. In addition, the legislation governing aquaculture licensing provides for an appeals mechanism. Appeals against licence decisions are a matter for the independent Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board.

The license in question will fall for renewal in 2027. In advance of renewal of the licence the application will be subject to the appropriate environmental considerations including conducting an Appropriate Assessment.