Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019
457. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on concerns held by persons (details supplied) regarding the status of an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43390/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation. In this case, the public consultation phase has ended. All submissions received during the public and statutory consultation phase are considered during the licensing process.
All decisions in respect of aquaculture licence applications are only taken following the fullest consideration of all scientific, technical, legislative and public interest elements of each application.
As the application referred to by the Deputy is under consideration by my Department in accordance with a statutory process, it would not be appropriate to comment further pending the conclusion of that process.
