Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make a statement on the granting of a foreshore license to a consortium (details supplied) and the possible environmental implications. [12929/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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On 4 February my Department issued a licence under section 3(3) of the Foreshore Act to Shell E&P Ireland Ltd to carry out site investigation works at Broadhaven Bay, Portacloy Bay, Sruwaddacon Bay and the estuary adjacent to Curraunboy, Co. Mayo.

The licence which is for site investigation works only was issued in accordance with normal procedures for assessing such applications. These procedures include the referral of the application to a wide range of expert consultees including the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The procedures also included a process of public consultation by means of public notices in the newspapers.

The licence contains specific conditions designed to protect the environment including, in particular, mitigation measures for the protection of cetaceans.