Aquaculture Development

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2015

Thursday, 25 June 2015

Ceisteanna (104)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

104. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, in view of guiding principle five as set out in the national strategy plan for sustainable aquaculture development regarding salmon farming, he will immediately initiate direct discussions with representatives of the tourism and angling industries to develop a consensus-based approach to sustainable salmon farming, and thereby demonstrate that he is serious regarding reforming this declining and environmentally damaging industry. [25451/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Applications for aquaculture licences are considered by my Department under the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act and the 1933 Foreshore Act. The legislation provides for extensive statutory consultation and general public consultation in respect of each application under consideration. Inland Fisheries Ireland, which has responsibility for wild salmon stocks, and Fáilte Ireland are both statutory consultees. I am satisfied therefore that the regulations governing public and statutory consultations provide comprehensive and appropriate transparency in respect of my Department’s aquaculture licensing system.