Tony Killeen
Ceist:51 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine the average waiting period for the issue of an aquaculture licence; and the longest and shortest delay from first application to issue of licence. [14451/95]
Written Answers. - Aquaculture Licences.
Reflecting the positive growth curve of aquaculture, particularly shellfish cultivation, a substantial number of licensing applications are currently being processed by the Department.
The Department is committed to progressing licence applications as quickly as possible within a necessary framework of comprehensive technical assessment and full consultation with all interested parties. The consultative process must strike the correct balance between development needs and local and environmental concerns. As a result the length of time it takes to process an application can and does vary in individual cases depending on the complexity of the issues involved. There is general agreement however which I also accept, that the present licensing system is not entirely satisfactory from all perspectives and we are urgently working on a new framework which will deliver a greater degree of clarity and certainty for developers and third parties alike. The objective is to streamline and overhaul the licensing system in the interests of all concerned. The new framework must support and facilitate development while giving full regard to public rights and other concerns. I am committed to the introduction of new legislation at the earliest possible date.