Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 May 2012
161 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of appropriate assessments completed on Natura 2000 sites as part of the aquaculture licensing process; the number of AAs which are currently underway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24366/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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' 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. To date, the Appropriate Assessment process is complete in respect of three bays covering approximately 100 aquaculture sites.
162 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expected waiting time for an aquaculture licence following the completion of an appropriate assessment on a Natura 2000 site as part of the aquaculture licensing process; if he considers this reasonable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24364/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the completion of an Appropriate Assessment in respect of a Natura 2000 site, an aquaculture licence application is considered under the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act which include assessment of the application by statutory and non-statutory consultees and a period of general public consultation. It is not possible to predict with certainty what issues will arise from this process of consultation which may require further investigation. Accordingly, a precise timeline is not possible.
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 determinations of aquaculture licence applications having regard to all the complexities involved.
