Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 614: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a company (details supplied) has applied for a foreshore lease for the exploitation of wind power on the Codling Bank; the published review process and criteria that will be applied for this particular application; the way the impact of the development on the landscape will be assessed in this application; his views on the financial speculation that has taken place in the sale of wind farm companies when foreshore leases have been granted; and if he has instigated the review of the foreshore lease cost, conditions and application process to address these issues. [15800/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The company to which the Deputy refers made an application in March 2009 for a 200 turbine offshore windfarm on the Codling Bank. This application is currently under consideration by my Department and, in accordance with standard procedures, will shortly be sent forward to external consultees, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service, for consideration.

The assessment procedures provide for a period of public consultation of two months duration. The commencement of the public consultation will be advertised in national and regional newspapers and on my Department's web site.

Following this, the EIS and the consultation submissions will be considered by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee (MLVC). This committee includes marine scientists and engineers. It is only following the very rigorous examination outlined above that a determination is made in the public interest in respect of the application.

The determination of fees for offshore electricity generating stations is considered on a case by case basis having regard to a number of factors including Government policy on offshore energy.

The Government has decided that responsibility for foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 for all energy developments (including oil, gas, wave, wind and tidal energy) on the foreshore will transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions.