Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I do. I wish to join with the Leas-Chathaoirleach in welcoming Teresa, Leon and Deputy Niamh Smyth to the Gallery.

In response to amendment No. 53, the effect of this amendment would be to limit the authority of the Minister to regulate the foreshore to a depth of 30 f. It is necessary that the Minister’s authority under the Bill to require a licence and to appropriately assess the impact of that activity extends beyond a depth of 30 ft. For example, bore hole drilling, as part of geotechnical surveying conducted by potential developers in the foreshore area, can extend to 80 m. Current practice is that these types of activities require a foreshore licence and applications are assessed in accordance with both the birds and habitats directive and the EIA directive. Many licences have been granted on that basis. This amendment would undermine the State’s authority to meet its obligations under those directives.

On the point raised by Senator Martin on marine and wildlife surveys, we can come back with a more detailed response, but I do not think that there will be a negative impact there.