Written answers

Thursday, 30 October 2008

Department of Agriculture and Food

Aquaculture Licences

6:00 pm

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his policy on aquaculture licensing and capital funding which has to date been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37469/08]

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Aquaculture licensing is governed by the terms and conditions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997 and regulations made thereunder, including, in particular, the Aquaculture (Licence Application) Regulations 1998, S.I. No. 236 of 1998. The 1997 Act obliges the Minister to determine any application for a licence by either deciding to grant the licence or a variation of the licence, or deciding to refuse to grant the licence. Licences may be granted for a period not exceeding 20 years. In practice licences are generally granted for a period of 10 years. The 1997 Act makes provision for renewal, review, revocation or amendment of licences.

In considering an application for an aquaculture licence the Minister is required, inter alia, to take account of:

the potential impacts on safety and navigation,

the ecological impacts on wild fisheries, natural habitats, flora and fauna,

the suitability of the waters,

the other beneficial uses of the place or waters,

the likely effects on the economy of the area, and

the statutory status under European legal frameworks of the area under application.

Applications for aquaculture licences also undergo public consultation. The 1997 Act also makes provision for an appeal of the decision of the Minister on an application to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board. Aquaculture development will be supported by exchequer funding for the 2007-2013 period. The estimates for 2009 has set aside €5 million to support aquaculture development. In addition support is provided to the sector by Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

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