Vol. 508 No. 1
181 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when a decision will be made on an application for a fish farming licence (details supplied); the date on which this application was made; the reason for the delay in deciding the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17594/99]
As part of the statutory consul tation process, the aquaculture licence applications to which the Deputy refers were sent to Dúchas – the National Parks and Wildlife Service – for their observations.
In their response, Dúchas expressed concerns over the possible impact which the proposed aquaculture might have on an area in Mweeloon Bay which was known to be used by migratory birds. Following detailed consideration of the matter, the Department agreed to defer licensing decisions until additional information on bird usage of these sites had been compiled by Dúchas.
Accordingly, Dúchas commissioned a field survey which was undertaken over the period November 1998 to April 1999. The results of that survey required some supplementary work to be undertaken which has delayed the submission of a definitive report in the matter. However, I expect to receive the final report this week which should enable decisions on the applications to be taken shortly.
182 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the tuna licences granted in 1999; the number of these licences awarded to each county; and the individuals who were awarded these licences. [17389/99]
Applications to participate in the 1999 albacore tuna fishery were assessed by my Department in the context of the legal limits on participating vessels in the drift net fishery as laid down in EU Council Regulation 1239/98 and on the basis of information supplied by applicants in the context of the prioritisation scheme published by my Department. Having considered applications received, a total of 18 authorisations were granted to 14 persons. Of the authorisations granted, seven were granted to applicants having an address in County Cork and a further seven were granted to persons having an address in County Kerry. In accordance with long-standing practice of this House, I do not propose to release the names of the individuals concerned.
