Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 November 2023
263. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of finfish aquaculture licences currently up for renewal in Ireland; the number of finfish aquaculture licences currently that applied for renewal in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51724/23]
View answerMy Department’s records indicate that there are currently 30 renewal applications under consideration in respect of marine finfish aquaculture. My Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences, including renewal applications, in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable national and EU legislation. The licensing process is complex and 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. All submissions received during the public and statutory consultation phase are considered during the licensing process. In addition, applications for marine finfish licences must be accompanied by a detailed Environmental Impact Statement or Environmental Impact Assessment Report as set out in both EU and national legislation.
The licences concerned are currently permitted to operate under Section 19(A)4 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997. Section 19(A)4 of the Act permits an operator who has applied for a renewal of an aquaculture licence to continue operating, subject to the terms and conditions of the original licence held, pending a determination in respect of the licence renewal application in question.
