Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 1613: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the need to develop an integrated coastal zone management policy in line with European Union policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30874/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000 and any other harbour or harbour related developments intended for commercial trade, and for all energy developments (including oil, gas, wave, wind and tidal energy) and aggregate and mineral extraction developments on the foreshore would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In addition the Government also decided that the Department would assume responsibility for coastal protection and coastal flooding and all other aspects of coastal zone management.

My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions. In the interim, all foreshore functions under the Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2005 rest with my Department.

My Department will carry forward responsibility for all other foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933, including in respect of all aquaculture developments and piers and harbours, other than in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000 and any other harbour or harbour related developments intended for commercial trade.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and my Department will continue to work closely together to provide a modern, effective and integrated legal framework for the management of the State's foreshore estate in the future including having regard to the principles of integrated coastal zone management.