Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 329: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of aquaculture licence applications currently with him; the length of time each application has been with the Department; and the number of jobs associated with all applications. [16377/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are 579 aquaculture licence applications awaiting determination – this consists of 308 applications for first time licences and 271 renewal applications.

The timeframe for processing an application varies depending on location, species, scale and intensity of production, culture method, statutory status of sites, potential visual impact, access route and frequency of access to sites, other activities in the area etc. Other factors include consideration of any submissions or observations raised during the public consultation period.

In the circumstances it is not possible to indicate a specific timeframe for the processing of applications.

The critical factor in the processing of new and renewal licence applications is their location in Special Areas of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and/or Special Protection Areas under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 sites).

In the case of aquaculture sites located within Natura 2000 areas the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) 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. This process is ongoing and significant progress has been made. This comprehensive data collection programme, together with the setting of appropriate conservation objectives by the NPWS, will enable all new, renewal and review applications to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. This work represents a significant financial, administrative and scientific investment by the State in resolving this issue. The Appropriate Assessment of aquaculture applications will be dealt with on a bay-by-bay basis.

My Department continues to make every effort to expedite the determination of all outstanding cases having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to comply fully with all national and EU legislation.

It is estimated that there are in the region of 2,800 people employed in aquaculture and support services.