Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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462. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if foreshore licences or other licences have been issued for Lough Foyle in the history of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13759/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department does not issue foreshore licences or aquaculture licences in respect of Lough Foyle. As the Deputy is aware, the management of aquaculture and associated foreshore licensing functions in Lough Foyle gives rise to legal and jurisdictional complexities. Negotiations regarding the jurisdiction of the Lough Foyle area are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Foreshore licensing, other than that related to fisheries and aquaculture, is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.

The Deputy will also be aware that my Department organises and participates in an inter-departmental working group which is pursuing a way forward in terms of the future management of aquaculture and associated foreshore activities on Lough Foyle, in parallel with a workable resolution to the complex jurisdictional issues involved.