Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2018
188. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to initiate an inquiry into salmon farming here in view of the public concern regarding environmental damage to the coastal environment caused by the industry and the recent report of the Scottish Parliament stating that salmon production in that country is unsustainable and is not being sufficiently regulated. [16842/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll applications for aquaculture licences are considered by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable National and EU legislation.
The licensing process provides for a period of Statutory and Public Consultation. Licensing decisions are taken following the fullest consideration of all scientific, environmental, legal, engineering and public policy aspects of each application.
In addition, decisions in respect of aquaculture licensing may be appealed to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) which is an independent body established by Statute for the specific purpose of considering such appeals.
In all the circumstances, it is clear that the aquaculture licensing system in Ireland takes full account of the views and concerns of all relevant stakeholders.
