Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way he plans to police the licensing of mussel farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7078/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Mussel farming is regulated in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997.

Key features of the process are examination of each application by key scientific and technical advisors to my Department, Environmental Impact Assessment pre-screening, written consultation with statutory and non-statutory consultees and a period of general public consultation. In addition, following Ministerial determination in respect of the application, the process provides for an appeal by any party to the independent Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board.

Matters considered in reaching a licensing determination include potential impacts on safety and navigation; suitability of waters; other beneficial users; likely effects on the economy; statutory status of the area; ecological impacts on wild fisheries, natural habitats, flora and fauna. In the case of areas designated as Special Areas of Conservation and/or Special Protection Areas for birds there is an additional process of Appropriate Assessment in respect of flora, fauna and birds to ensure compliance with EU and national legislation governing these areas.

Once a licence is granted, the licensed site is subject to ongoing inspections by my Department's Engineers and the Marine Institute in accordance with their technical and scientific roles.