Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 148:

In page 65, between lines 22 and 23, to insert the following: “Application for declaration as to whether or not MAC is required, etc.

75.(1) A person may make an application in the specified form, accompanied by the prescribed fee, to the MARA for a declaration in writing by the MARA as to whether or not the occupation of the part of the maritime area the subject of the application for the purposes of the undertaking of the proposed maritime usage the subject of the application requires a MAC and, if so, whether section 73or 74applies.

(2) Where an application under subsection (1)is made to the MARA, it may, by notice in writing given to the applicant, require the applicant to provide, whether in the specified form, by affidavit or otherwise, such additional information in relation to any matter to which the application relates as the MARA reasonably considers necessary to make the declaration sought by the application.

(3) The MARA shall, to the extent that it is practicable to do so, make the declaration sought by an application under subsection (1), and give a copy of the declaration to the applicant, not later than 30 days after the day on which the MARA is satisfied that the applicant has complied with all the requirements of or under this section.”.

Amendment No. 148, and amendment No. 149 is related, inserts a new section that allows any person to seek a declaration from the MARA as to whether a MAC is required for his or her proposed usage of the maritime area. This is a necessary administrative measure to enable potential users of the maritime area to confirm whether a MAC is required and relates to the usages exempt under Schedules 3 and 4. This will help remove any uncertainties and ensure appropriate regulation of certain usages. The MARA will issue such a declaration within 30 days of receipt of full information from the applicant. Amendment No. 149 provides for MARA to apply an administrative fee to such declarations. I am sure members will agree that this is a positive addition to the Bill.