Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 1157: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide information on applications for foreshore licences for offshore electrical generating installations in Irish waters since 2008 and their review status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47919/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The authorisation of offshore energy projects under the Foreshore Acts 1933-2005 is dealt with in two distinct phases. Firstly an application must be made for a foreshore licence for a defined area of the seabed in which to explore the viability and environmental sustainability of the development. The licensing stage does not require the developer to provide specific details of the proposed installation. Where the site for which a licence has been granted proves suitable, an application may be made for a foreshore lease. The lease process evaluates the project and its impacts, it provides a consent for the construction and establishes a return to the state for the use of the Foreshore. Since 1 January 2008, there have been 12 Windfarm, 10 Tidal and 17 Wavefarm foreshore licence applications for Offshore Electricity Generating Station received for the purpose of site investigation. These applications are currently under consideration within my Department.