Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021
617. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the environmental impact of fish farms on the Irish coast since 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37406/21]
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 national and 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. All submissions received during the public and statutory consultation phase are considered during the licensing process.
EU legislation which has subsequently been transposed into Irish law has contributed significantly to the protection of the environment, including the aquaculture sector. The EU Habitats and Birds Directives have resulted in the designation of certain bays by the National Parks and Wildlife Services as 'Special Areas of Conservation' and/or 'Special Protection Areas' for birds. These are known as 'Natura 2000' sites and most aquaculture takes place within them, or adjacent to them.
A key component of the Aquaculture Licensing process is a series of measures designed to address the impact of aquaculture on the environment. This series of measures is known as "Appropriate Assessment". All applications for aquaculture licences in Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas (Natura 2000 sites) are required to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of environmental compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.
In addition, applications for marine finfish licences must be accompanied by a detailed Environment Impact Assessment Report as set out in both EU & national legislation.
As will be seen therefore, the fullest consideration of all potential environmental impacts takes place in advance of any decision to grant an aquaculture licence and, where appropriate, an application may be refused or modified to take account of such environmental impacts.
