Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the statement by the Inland Fisheries Board of 29 November 2012, that development and operation, of fin fish farms, could impact on wild salmon and sea trout stocks and their habitat, has been taken into account in formulating his policy on salmon farms and aquaculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15895/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has submitted an application to my Department for an Aquaculture and a Foreshore Licence for the cultivation of Finfish near Inis Oirr in Galway Bay. The application and its accompanying Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is currently being considered in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act and the 1933 Foreshore Act as amended.

The legislation provides for extensive consultation with stakeholders, including Inland Fisheries Ireland, which has responsibility for wild salmon stocks.

All matters associated with the application including the impact, if any, on wild salmon stocks, will be given very careful consideration by my Department.

It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this application which is under active consideration as part of a statutory process.