Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
1143. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of negotiations with the British Government on the legal status of Lough Foyle; if his attention has been drawn to the negative consequences of the failure to reach an agreement on the issue in the years that have passed since the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14392/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNegotiations regarding the jurisdiction of Lough Foyle along with any other jurisdictional issues are, in the first instance, a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The management of aquaculture and associated foreshore licensing function in Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough gives rise to legal and jurisdictional complexities. Applications for Aquaculture licenses are considered by my Department under the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act, and applicable EU Legislation. However, in the case of Lough Foyle, Section 2 of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act disapplies the Act to the Moville Area, as it is defined in the Foyle Fisheries Act, 1952.
The Good Friday Agreement provided for the establishment of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC). This body is one of the six North South Implementation Bodies created under the Agreement. The Loughs Agency, as part of the FCLIC, has been given responsibility for fisheries related matters in respect of both Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough and the legislation envisages that the Agency will enter into management agreement with the relevant authorities in both jurisdictions with a view to assuming responsibly for aquaculture licensing within the loughs.
My Department organises and participates in an inter-departmental working group which is pursuing a way forward in terms of the future management of aquaculture and associated foreshore activities on Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough, in parallel with a workable resolution of the complex jurisdictional issues involved. Discussions in respect of the management agreement are ongoing.
Negotiations regarding the jurisdiction of the Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough along with any other jurisdictional issues are in the first instance, a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs. In view of the multi-dimensional and cross jurisdictional nature of the issue involved, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.
