Gerry Reynolds
Ceist:106 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when a licence and grant aid will be made available to a company (details supplied) in County Sligo. [22345/98]
Written Answers. - Aquaculture Licences.
John Perry
Ceist:108 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the serious difficulties that a company (details supplied) in County Sligo is encountering; when a decision will be made on the licence application; if a favourable decision will be made in view of the length of time the application is lodged and the new condition imposed which precludes Bord Iascaigh Mhara from considering any further grant proposals from unlicensed producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22465/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 108 together.
Consideration of the licence application is proceeding in my Department and involves, in particular, an up-to-date assessment of the quality of the waters in which the proposed cultivation of clams and oysters is to take place and the determination of consequential conditions to govern that cultivation if the waters are suitable.
I expect that my Department's consideration of the application will be completed before the end of this month. The company in question will be notified directly of the outcome as soon as possible.
The question of grant aid under BIM's pilot aquaculture grant scheme will be addressed as soon as the licensing decision is made.