State Property

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2012

Tuesday, 24 January 2012

Ceisteanna (526)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

551 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, further to parliamentary Question No. 245 of 14 December 2011, the position in respect of negotiations with the Crown Estate regarding ownership of the sea floor of Lough Foyle; if he will confirm that proprietary ownership of Lough Foyle rests with the Republic of Ireland; and if so, if he will confirm under the legal entitlement this proprietary interest arises. [3553/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The process referred to in my previous reply to the Deputy of 14 December 2011 is continuing. The issues involved are complex and involve a number of stakeholders. The general issue of the State's maritime boundaries, including within Lough Foyle, is a matter for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. My Department will continue to progress the matter of aquaculture licensing in respect of Lough Foyle in close consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.