Written answers

Wednesday, 8 June 2016

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Aquaculture Licences

Photo of Margaret Murphy O'MahonyMargaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

532. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason, even though the aquaculture licensing section is unable to renew licences in a timely manner, the aquaculture food business operators cannot avail of grant aid while awaiting the renewal of their licences, albeit they are permitted to operate as normal during this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14301/16]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The €240 million EMFF Operational Programme 2014-2020 provides almost €30 million for investment in the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector, in line with the actions and targets specified in Ireland’s 2015 National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development.

The Operational Programme specifies that all supports to the aquaculture sector under the EMFF OP will be confined strictly to aquaculture enterprises that are fully compliant with the terms and conditions of their aquaculture and foreshore licences. Aquaculture enterprises that have not been licensed in compliance with EU law could not receive EU co-funded aid or other aid and the licensing decision in relation to those enterprises cannot be pre judged. The EU Commission has confirmed this position to the industry at the EU Operational Programme Monitoring Committee. The Operational Programme also specifies that supports for productive investments in aquaculture will be available only to sites that are fully licensed in compliance with the Habitats and Birds Directives. This provision affects only aquaculture sites located in Natura 2000 areas.

In January 2016, Minister Coveney announced the launch of two dedicated EMFF support schemes for the aquaculture sector. A Knowledge Gateway Scheme is providing grants of up to €200,000 to aquaculture enterprises for projects relating to innovation, animal welfare and disease management, training and advisory services. A Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme is providing grants of up to €500,000 to aquaculture enterprises for capital investments in their sites. Last month, I was delighted to announce grants under these two schemes to 12 aquaculture enterprises and I expect to announce further grants as the year progresses.

I fully realise that aquaculture sites located in Natura 2000 areas where licensing decisions have yet to be made in accordance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives are not in a position to access supports for productive investments pending a determination of their aquaculture and foreshore licence applications and in particular pending completion of the required Habitats Directive Appropriate Assessments. My Department is engaged in an extensive process with the Marine Institute and National Parks and Wildlife Service to complete those Appropriate Assessments. The Appropriate Assessment process has now been completed in respect of sixteen bays and my Department is progressing licence determinations having regard to the conclusions of those assessments and other relevant factors as required under law. The €30 million EMFF funds are available for the full period of the EMFF OP and I expect that as licence determinations are made, these funds will be fully invested by the sector.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.