Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 March 2013
215. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the public disquiet regarding plans to develop two salmon fish farms totalling 456 hectares in the Galway Bay area; the long-term consequences that this development will have on angling and tourism in the vicinity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15875/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has submitted an application to my Department for an Aquaculture and a Foreshore Licence for the cultivation of Finfish near Inis Oirr in Galway Bay. The application and its accompanying Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is currently being considered in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act and the 1933 Foreshore Act as amended. The legislation provides for extensive consultation with stakeholders, including Inland Fisheries Ireland, which has responsibility for wild salmon stocks. The legislation also provides for a period of general public consultation.
The public consultation stage of the process is now complete and a total of 410 valid submissions have been received by my Department and are currently under active consideration. All matters associated with the application including the impact, if any, on angling and tourism, will be given very careful consideration by my Department. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this application which is under consideration as part of a statutory process.
