Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 6

Written Answers. - Aquaculture and Foreshore Licences.

Michael Smith

Ceist:

168 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for the Marine the number of applications for aquaculture and foreshore licences currently lodged with his Department awaiting approval; the number of pending applications that will be approved prior to the introduction of the new aquaculture licensing legislation; the status of any pending applications in the event of the new legislation being enacted; and whether current applicants will be required to reapply under the new legislation. [12039/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

There are some 800 applications on hands for licences to engage in aquaculture of which approximately half are estimated to be "live" applications of serious intent. The Department is currently analysing and quantifying all applications with a view to definitively establishing the actual level of interest by region and area.

Existing applications are being progressed pending the enactment of new aquaculture licensing legislation. The process entails comprehensive and technical assessment and full consultation with interested parties, including public notice procedures. The decision making process must seek at all times to strike the right balance between development needs and local and environmental concerns. As a result, the timeframe for decisions varies in individual cases depending on the complexity of the issues involved. The new legislation is being accorded every priority with a view to publication at the earliest possible date.

It is proposed in that context that applications which remain to be determined at the time of enactment will, subject to certain transitional arrangements, be treated as applications for aquaculture licences under the appropriate provisions of the new legislative framework.