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Aquaculture Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2010

Wednesday, 19 May 2010

Ceisteanna (192)

Ulick Burke

Ceist:

222 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his role in the issuing of aquaculture licences; the names and number of applications for renewal and or new aquaculture licences to grow oysters in the State; the reason that there is a four year waiting time for these licences to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20811/10]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has responsibility for the licensing of aquaculture in the State in accordance with the provisions of national and EU law. Pursuant to the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, the primary legal framework for the aquaculture industry in the State, any decision made on an application for an aquaculture licence can be appealed to the independent Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board.

In considering an application for an aquaculture licence, including an application to renew an aquaculture licence, my Department must consider:

the potential impacts on safety and navigation,

the ecological impacts on wild fisheries, natural habitats, flora and fauna,

the suitability of the waters,

the other beneficial uses of the place or waters,

the likely effects on the economy of the area, and

the statutory status under European legal frameworks of the area under application.

This process involves consultation with a range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various statutory consultees. Applications are also subject to public consultation whereby any interested person or body may make submissions or observations on any licence application.

It has not been possible in the time available to provide the information sought by the Deputy in respect of the names and number of applications for renewal and/or new aquaculture licences for the specific purpose of growing oysters. The data is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The backlog in the processing of new and renewal licence applications largely arises because the majority of areas for which the licences are sought are designated Special Areas of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and/or Special Protection Areas under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 sites).

In the case of aquaculture sites located within Natura 2000 areas my Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is engaged in a comprehensive programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of these areas. This process is ongoing. The comprehensive data collection programme together with the setting of appropriate conservation objectives will enable all new and renewal applications to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.

My Department continues to make every effort to expedite the determination of all outstanding cases having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to comply fully with all national and EU legislation.

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