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

Marine Harvest Ireland has nothing to do with this application. Like many other companies, it is watching the process because this is a new departure. This relates to offshore deep sea salmon farming and it is the first time we have received an application of this scale off the Irish coast. Everyone interested in salmon farming is watching what happens with the application, including many NGOs, which is why we are being so careful with it to make sure the process is appropriate and is followed. If that results in a rejection, scaling down or granting of the application, so be it. I will take responsibility for that on the basis of all the scientific advice and the stakeholders' input which has gone into the lengthy process