Aquaculture Licences Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 March 2013

Tuesday, 12 March 2013

Ceisteanna (519)

Derek Nolan

Ceist:

519. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost incurred by Bord Iascaigh Mhara of producing and distributing a flyer entitled Deep Sea Fish Farm, Galway - Telling Our Story as circulated in a local Galway newspaper on 28 February 2013; his views on the appropriattness of such in view of the fact that the period of public consultation on this proposal is now over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12608/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Bord Iascaigh Mhara is an independent statutory body. As the matter referred to by the Deputy is an operational decision, it is a matter for Bord Iascaigh Mhara itself. Bord Iascaigh Mhara has submitted an application to my Department for an aquaculture and a foreshore licence for the cultivation of Finfish near Inis Oírr in Galway Bay. The application and its accompanying environmental impact statement are being considered fully in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act and the 1933 Foreshore Act, as amended. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on an application which is under active consideration as part of a statutory process.