Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. He referenced the importance of the seafood sector and fisheries. He also referenced the Government's commitment to coastal communities. I know it is planning related, but a huge problem for us in Kerry, in particular in Cromane, is that it is almost impossible to get planning permission for anything relating to the aquaculture industry. It does not make any sense because they are trying to promote and develop their business, regularise and abide by the law. There are great companies there such as Réalt na Mara Shellfish, Cromane Seafoods, etc. The delay in processing aquaculture licences is absolutely crazy. We have ready-to-go projects and their licences are not being renewed. It is going on and on. It is not a problem that started today or yesterday. Perhaps it is not relevant today, but I will ask the question. Is there any further update on the ban on pair trawling? Many people are very annoyed that this is dragging on. I thank the Chair for allowing me in.