Michael Ring
Ceist:144. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will issue on an application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10930/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 6 March 2024
Ceisteanna (144)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997, the Foreshore Act, 1933(as amended) and applicable National and EU legislation. The licensing process is complex and 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.
The time for processing an aquaculture licence varies depending on a number of factors including location, species, scale and intensity of production, statutory status of sites and potential visual impact. My Department also takes full account of all scientific and technical advice, in addition to all issues identified during the public and statutory consultation phases. Further factors that can impact the time taken to process an application can include; the requirement for an Appropriate Assessment and whether the application is required to be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report; the need for additional underwater or archaeological assessments; consideration of any submissions or observations raised during the public consultation period, etc.
Decisions in respect of aquaculture licence applications are only taken following the fullest consideration of all scientific, legislative, technical and public interest elements of each application.
As the application referred to by the Deputy is currently under consideration it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on individual applications.