Pa Daly
Ceist:317. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an aquaculture licence application by a person (details supplied). [9022/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 18 February 2021
Ceisteanna (317)
Freagraí scríofa
My 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 addition, the legislation governing aquaculture licensing provides for an appeals mechanism. Appeals against licence decisions are a matter for the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) which is an independent statutory body. Full details of the appeals process can be obtained at: http://www.alab.ie.
My Department’s records indicate that an application was made for an aquaculture licence by the person referred to by the Deputy for a site in Castlemaine Harbour and was considered by my Department. On 25 September 2018, following consideration of all aspects of the application, it was determined that the application could not be approved. This determination was published by my Department in the normal way and subsequently ALAB notified my Department that an appeal had been received in respect of this application.
As ALAB is currently considering the appeal as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter pending the conclusion of that process.