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

The application by BIM for an aquaculture licence for the cultivation of finfish near Inis Oírr in Galway Bay was received by my Department in 2012. 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, as amended. As the application is under active consideration as part of the statutory process, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.

I am on record as saying that the strategic approach in deep sea aquaculture development has the potential to deliver much needed jobs in coastal communities. However, it is important to note that, as Minister, I have two distinct roles in regard to applications such as these. I have a developmental role in seeking to enhance Ireland’s production of seafood and I have a quite separate regulatory role which requires me to reach a determination in respect of aquaculture licence applications based on the wider public interest and all relevant national and EU legislation. I take the division between these two roles very seriously in respect of all aquaculture licence applications and the distinction is always strictly observed.

Regarding liability, any commercial losses an operator might incur in regard to the operation of a salmon farm would be a matter for the operator in question. It would be a routine requirement that any person or organisation taking on an aquaculture licence would be responsible for ensuring the appropriate insurance cover is in place.

Should BIM be successful in obtaining a salmon farming aquaculture licence in Galway Bay, any operator of that licence will be required to put in place appropriate measures designed to ensure that no financial liability would arise for the State in respect of the operation of the site. I hope that is clear.

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