Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2083. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the aquaculture licence applications being considered at a location (details supplied); if written observations from stakeholders are still being accepted with respect to each in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33707/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra2084. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to ensure that activities for which permission is sought through the formal aquaculture licence application process are commensurate to the local environs; if decision makers consider the possible implications which such marine based activities pose to the tourism potential of scenic locations such as along the Wild Atlantic Way when making determinations on such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33708/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2083 and 2084 together.
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 legislation includes a period of public and statutory consultation in respect of each application.
Decisions in respect of aquaculture licence applications are only taken following consideration of all technical, scientific, environmental, legislative and public policy aspects of each application, including observations received as part of the public and statutory consultation phase of the process.
In relation to aquaculture licence applications referred to by the Deputy, the public and statutory phase of the licensing process is now closed. Observations received following the closure of the public and statutory phase cannot be considered as part of the licensing process, as to do so would be in breach of the applicable legislation.
