Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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809. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on an extension to deadline for submission of observations for aquaculture licenses in Valentia Harbour and Portmagee Channel, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34805/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department considers applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable National and EU legislation. The licensing process also includes a period of public and statutory consultation.

In relation to the licence applications referred to by the Deputy, the public consultation stage of the licensing process concluded recently. Some members of the public have advised my Department that the recently introduced travel restrictions associated with the Covid 19 situation have restricted their ability to view the applications and supporting documents in the local Garda Stations specified in the Public Notice. My Department is currently examining the matter in conjunction with its legal advisors, having regard to the legislative and public interest issues that arise.

As the matter is still under active consideration by my Department, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.