Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
689. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a review of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 in respect of oyster licence applications will be carried out following recent licence appeals decisions (details supplied) in County Kerry; if his Department will engage with local applicants following this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25529/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable National and EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisors 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 in relation to aquaculture licence decisions are a matter for the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB), which is an independent statutory body.
Decisions in respect of aquaculture licence applications in Castlemaine Harbour were made in 2018. A number of these decisions were subsequently appealed to ALAB. The Board has recently informed my Department that it has confirmed the decision of the Minister in respect of these applications. Queries in respect of ALAB decisions are a matter for the Board who can be contacted at info@alab.ie.
In relation to a review of the relevant legislation, the Report of the Independent Aquaculture Licensing Review Group recommended that work commence on the preparation of new Aquaculture legislation. Since receiving the Report, my Department has prioritised the elimination of the shellfish licensing backlog, which has resulted in over 1,250 licence determinations being made since 2012. My Department is now focusing on the development of a web-based Aquaculture Application and Monitoring System. Phase 1 of this project is currently in development and due for completion by the end of 2021.
The Implementation of the Licensing Review Group Report forms an important part of the current Programme for Government. My Department is currently preparing an Implementation Programme in respect of the remaining recommendations of the Report with a view to their implementation both as they apply directly to my Department and to the Agencies of my Department, having regard to the legislative, environmental, technical and public interest issues that arise.
