Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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Question 484: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of aquaculture licenses granted to non Natura 2000 sites since late 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30775/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Seventeen aquaculture licences were issued in respect of sites located in non-Natura areas since late 2007.

The low number of licences issued largely arises because the majority of areas for which aquaculture licences are sought are located in Natura areas. An additional factor is that all aquaculture applications now undergo Environmental Impact pre-screening assessment which requires significant input from the Department's scientific and technical advisors.

The timeframe for processing a particular application varies depending on location, species, scale and intensity of production, statutory status of sites, potential visual impact etc. Other factors include consideration of any submissions or observations raised during the public consultation period.

Applicants who have submitted valid renewal applications are statutorily entitled to continue existing aquaculture operations pending Ministerial determination of the application.

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