Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2013
438. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the prospects of the development of a number of off-shore facilities aimed at producing farmed salmon using open net cages around the Irish coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44270/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has submitted an application to my Department for an aquaculture licence for the cultivation of finfish near Inis Oirr in Galway Bay. The application and its accompanying Environmental Impact Statement are currently being considered in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act. My Department has also issued a Site Investigation Licence to BIM in respect of potential sites off the Mayo coast. I also understand that BIM is currently engaged in preliminary work with a view to a possible application to my Department for a Site Investigation Licence for an area off the coast of Donegal.
