My Department received an application from the Company referred to by the Deputy in December 2017 to add the cultivation of oysters to an existing bottom mussel aquaculture licence.
A wide range of scientific and technical advisers were consulted on the application as well as various Statutory Consultees. The process also included a period of public consultation.
The Statutory and Public Consultation phase in respect of this application is now concluded. Every effort is being made to expedite a decision on this application having regard to the complexities involved.
As this application is under active consideration as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate to comment further on the matter at this time.