Vol. 426 No. 6
18 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for the Marine his policy in regard to development of the fin-fish farming industry; and if it is proposed to introduce any new regulations governing the location of fish cages in marine and fresh waters.
My statutory powers in relation to fin-fish farming derive from the Fisheries Acts and the Foreshore Act, 1933.
The policy objective with regard to the licensing of fin-fish operations is to ensure that development takes place in an orderly and well regulated manner, with full regard for other interests and in harmony with the environment while maximising the industry's contribution to the economy, in terms of jobs and revenue.
In line with this policy objective, the Department has devoted considerable technical and administrative resources to bringing all fin-fish operations under an effective licensing and monitoring regime. All licence applications are subject to a rigorous process of evaluation and public consultation including, in the case of significant projects, compliance with the requirements of the EC Directive on Environmental Impact Assessment.
The siting of fish farms as well as structural, environmental and fish husbandry aspects of any such proposed operations, is dealt with under this licensing and regulatory framework. I have no immediate plans therefore to introduce any new regulations governing the location of fish cages.
