Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 May 2012
146 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will report progress on the Environmental Impact Assessment base studies for Kenmare Bay; when he expects the assessment process to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23505/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is assumed that the assessments referred to by the Deputy relate to the Appropriate Assessment process conducted by the Marine Institute in respect of bays designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) or Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the EU Habitats/Birds Directives.
Kenmare Bay is designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive (Natura 2000 site). As a designated ‘Natura 2000' site all applications for aquaculture licences in Kenmare Bay are required to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of environmental compliance with the EU Habitats Directives. My Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, is engaged in a comprehensive programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of ‘Natura 2000' areas. This data collection programme is substantially complete. Analysis of the data, together with the setting of appropriate conservation objectives by the NPWS, will enable all new, renewal and review applications to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. This work represents a significant financial, administrative and scientific investment by the State in resolving this issue. The Appropriate Assessment of aquaculture applications is being dealt with on a bay-by-bay basis.
The completion of the process of identifying Conservation Objectives and conducting Appropriate Assessments varies depending on location and key operational factors including weather conditions, the quality of data received from field operations and the need to carry out additional survey work in certain specific instances.
Kenmare Bay remains part of the package of prioritised areas under assessment. This package is reviewed on a regular basis with a view to expediting the appropriate assessment process.
Addressing the issue of aquaculture licensing in ‘Natura 2000' areas is a key priority for my Department and you can be assured that every effort is being made to expedite the process having regard to all the complexities involved.
