Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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1647. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if licensing of aquaculture on Lough Foyle can take place without an appropriate assessment or having had conservation objectives established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24671/16]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive it is a requirement for aquaculture licensing in both jurisdictions, North and South, to undertake appropriate assessment of the implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives.

I understand that there is a requirement to set conservation objectives prior to completing an appropriate assessment for aquaculture licensing in order to ensure a robust assessment.  Such assessments fall within the remit of the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine.