Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the appropriate assessment works will be carried out in respect of aquaculture licensing in the Valentia-Caherciveen area of County Kerry; if he is satisfied that the programme of appropriate assessment is progressing at an acceptable rate; when he expects the granting of an aquaculture licence will be considered in respect of a company (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2983/12]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the appropriate assessment works will be carried out in respect of aquaculture licensing in the Valentia-Caherciveen area of County Kerry; if he is satisfied that the programme of appropriate assessment is progressing at an acceptable rate; when he expects that the granting of an aquaculture licence will be considered in respect of a company (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2792/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 192 together.

The application referred to is in respect of a site located in Valentia Harbour, which is designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive (Natura 2000 site).

All applications in 'Natura' areas are required to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of environmental compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. My Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is engaged in a comprehensive programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of 'Natura' areas. This data collection programme is substantially complete. Data analysis of the data, 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 is being dealt with on a bay-by-bay basis. Appropriate Assessments can only be undertaken following the setting up of Conservation Objectives by NPWS. Conservation Objectives in respect of this bay have not yet been set by NPWS.

My Department continues to make every effort to expedite the determination of this aquaculture licence application having regard to the need to comply with all national and EU legislation.