Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expedite the processing of applications for aquaculture licences in Castlemaine harbour, County Kerry; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these delays are hindering investment in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48843/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Castlemaine Harbour is designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 site).

My Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has engaged in a major programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of aquaculture sites located within designated Natura areas, including Castlemaine Harbour.

The setting of Conservation Objectives and the carrying out of an Appropriate Assessment for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the conservation objectives has been completed in respect of Castlemaine. The general licensing implications have been examined by my Department and the public consultation stage of the licensing process is imminent.