Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 161: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department is inspecting the fill being used on a foreshore for a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; if this fill has been approved by her Department; if a licence has been given for same; the action that will be taken in relation to the concerns of local residents regarding the fill being used and its impact on the water quality and aquaculture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12547/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Mayo County Council applied for a licence under the Foreshore Acts to construct a temporary bridge at Achill Sound in March 06. A licence to facilitate the construction of the temporary bridge was granted to the Council in October 2006. The licence included specific conditions relating to the methodology to be employed in the construction of the bridge.

My Department has recently received complaints in relation to the construction of the bridge and these complaints have been referred to our Engineering Division for investigation. The complaints have also been referred to the Council. The Council has indicated that the fill being used in the construction works is from a local source and is fit for purpose. A foreshore lease to facilitate construction of the permanent bridge is also being processed by my Department. This lease will also contain specific conditions regarding construction methodology and environmental protection

My Department is in close contact with the Council to ensure that all the conditions of the foreshore licence issued are being complied with. My Department would regard with utmost seriousness any breaches of the conditions of the foreshore licence issued.