Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 943: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 449 of 13 October 2009, when he will make a determination on an application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1072/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The area for which the licences are 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). Due to the Natura 2000 status of the area the applications in question were referred by my Department to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for further consideration having regard to the ongoing discussions between the two Departments on the issue of aquaculture activities in Natura 2000 sites generally. That Department has advised that all operations or activities should be subject to the provisions of Article 6(3) of the EC Habitats Directive as transposed by Regulation 31 of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997).

In the case of aquaculture sites located within Natura 2000 areas my Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is engaged in a comprehensive programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of these areas. Every effort is being made by my Department to expedite the determination of all outstanding cases having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to comply fully with all relevant national and EU legislation.