Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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479. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for an oyster fishing licence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14083/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The applications for two aquaculture licences referred to by the Deputy are in respect of two sites located in Castlemaine Harbour, which is designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 sites).

All applications in ‘Natura 2000’ areas are required to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of environmental compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. Castlemaine Harbour was one of the first bays to be appropriately assessed in 2011 and the relevant licensing determinations were made based on applications to hand at the time of the assessment.

The specific applications referred to by the Deputy were submitted to my Department subsequent to the carrying out of the Appropriate Assessment process for the harbour. These applications will be appropriately assessed in the second Appropriate Assessment Report for Castlemaine Harbour which is currently underway. My Department will consider these applications and all other applications in the Harbour once this Report has been completed.

Every effort is being made to expedite the conclusion of this matter as soon as possible.