Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In accordance with applicable legislation, notice of the applications in Ballyness Bay was published by the applicants in the Donegal Democraton various dates between 14 March and 26 March. From the date of the relevant notice, the public had four weeks to make written submissions or observations to my Department on the applications specified in that notice. During that time the application documentation was available for inspection in the Garda stations specified in the public notices and on my Department's website. In accordance with the applicable legislation, one of the Garda stations was open on a 24-hour basis, in Letterkenny. The following statutory consultees were contacted with regard to these applications: Donegal County Council, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Fáilte Ireland, An Taisce, Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and the Marine Institute.

In addition, the legislation governing aquaculture licensing provides for an appeals mechanism. Any member of the public who wishes to appeal a ministerial decision may do so by submitting an appeal to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board, which is an independent body established by statute.

The Department has received a number of representations from members of the public and public representatives around the licensing process as it affects Ballyness Bay. In addition to general complaints concerning the appropriateness or otherwise of intertidal aquaculture in Ballyness Bay, there have been specific concerns expressed around the consultation process, namely, the placement of public notices in the Donegal Democrat is regarded as inadequate by a number of members of the public and by public representatives. The procedures for the public notices, however, adhere fully to the legislative requirements. In addition to the public notices, the applications were available to view in specified local Garda stations and on the Department's website.

I will conclude now, and I appreciate the Acting Chairman's indulgence. The licensing process for Ballyness Bay conforms fully with all legislative requirements. A public notice in respect of the ministerial decision is scheduled to be published in the Donegal Democrat on Thursday, 5 December. Any person who is not satisfied with the ministerial decision can appeal the decision to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board. As the period of time for submitting such appeals will commence from the date of publication of the decision and will continue for one month thereafter, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time.

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