Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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522. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) with regard to aquaculture licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8127/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Section 13 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997 sets down timeframes within which the Minister shall endeavour to determine an application for an aquaculture licence.

However, in the absence of a commencement order, there is no statutory timeframe in force for the determination of applications for aquaculture licences under the Act. The commencement of Section 13 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 is a matter which is kept under ongoing review by my Department in light of recent advances and development in environmental legislation.

Applications for aquaculture licences are considered by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the relevant national and EU legislation, which is quite extensive.

The licensing process also involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisors as well as various statutory consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.

The average timeframe for processing each licence 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.