Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 242: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will expedite the licence application of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17259/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department does not have an application for an aquaculture licence from the person referred to by the Deputy. The site in question is currently licensed to another person for 10 years with effect from 9th May 2005. This person applied for an aquaculture licence in respect of a further area adjacent to his existing licensed site. In October 2006 my Department advised the applicant that it was not in a position to recommend the application.

I should also add that the area for which this licence was sought is a designated Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 site). As such any applications will require to be considered in the context of ongoing discussions between my Department, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the EU Commission on the issue of aquaculture activities in Natura 2000 sites generally.