Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

An application by Bord Iascaigh Mhara for an aquaculture licence for the cultivation of finfish near Inis Oírr in Galway Bay was received by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine last year. The application and its accompanying environmental impact statement are being considered under the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 and the Foreshore Act 1933. The role of the Minister as the decision maker with regard to aquaculture licensing is clearly set out in the legislation. I am entirely satisfied that my role in that regard is not compromised in any way. In my statutory role as decision maker, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this application, which is under assessment by the Department in accordance with the statutory process.

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