Foreshore Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022

Wednesday, 13 July 2022

Ceisteanna (232)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

232. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will detail the consents that he determined in relation to the offshore activity detailed in Marine Notice 43 of 2022, issued by the Department of Transport on 1 July 2022, in relation to geophysical survey works on a 24 hour basis, seven days a week from 1 July to 15 August 2022 at locations off Dublin and counties Louth and Meath; the application reference number, the environmental assessments that have been conducted; the date of determination; the location in which public access to the consent granted is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38217/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The work detailed in Marine Notice 43/2022, issued by the Department of Transport, related to an intention by Lir Offshore Array to conduct geophysical survey works as part of a scientific data gathering exercise. Grid references provided in the Notice indicate operations are entirely outside of the 12 nautical mile limit. This would mean that a licence could not be granted under the Foreshore Act 1933. No consent was granted by this Department under that legislation or the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations (SI 477 of 2011). The Marine Notice does not specify the precise nature of the works.