Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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615. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consideration that was given to the environmental implications of a salmon farm which was recently granted a licence in Bantry Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37404/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The decision to grant the aquaculture licence referred to by the Deputy was made by the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) on 29^thJune. 

ALAB is an entirely independent Board and decisions in relation to the granting of an aquaculture licence in these circumstances are a matter for the Board. Given the independent status of ALAB and the fact that there is currently a three-month window from the date of the decision in which that decision can be judicially reviewed, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any aspect of the Board’s determination in this matter.

The decision of that Board and documentation in support of the Board’s determination has been published on the ALAB’s website.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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616. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on prohibition of salmon farming in Irish coastal waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37405/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government commits to working to develop our aquaculture sector in a sustainable way and this echoes the objectives of the 2015 National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development. Aquaculture is a key component of the Irish seafood sector and, in 2020, Ireland's annual aquaculture production value was €180m, of which salmon is the main species farmed at €127m. In addition, the industry employs c.2,000 persons predominately along the western seaboard.

The 2015 Plan recognises the potential of aquaculture across the full range of species, to contribute to Ireland’s growing seafood exports and to provide quality jobs in our coastal communities.  The 2015 Plan seeks to address the issues constraining the growth of the sector, while also implementing a range of actions to ensure that the growth of aquaculture production is sustainable. 

The Department is at present engaged, together with Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Marine Institute, in drafting a new National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture for the period 2021-30.  This work is consistent with the European Union’s new Strategic Guidelines for a Sustainable and Competitive EU Aquaculture for the Period 2021-30, published in May 2021.   

The European Green Deal is the EU’s new growth strategy and aims at stimulating the economy and creating jobs while accelerating the green transition in a cost-efficient way. The EU Strategic Guidelines aim to offer a common vision for EU Member States and all relevant stakeholders for the further development of aquaculture in the EU in a way that contributes to the Green Deal growth strategy. In particular, the EU guidelines aim to help in building an EU aquaculture sector that is competitive and resilient, ensures the supply of nutritious and healthy food, reduces the EU’s dependency on seafood imports, creates economic opportunities and jobs and becomes a global reference for sustainability. 

The Department’s new National Strategic Plan shares the EU vision and will be following a common structure and approach with other Member States, who are likewise preparing similar plans.  The new National Strategic Plan is of course subject to strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and appropriate assessment under the Habitats Directive and a public consultation on the SEA Environmental Report will be undertaken in the Autumn.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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617. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the environmental impact of fish farms on the Irish coast since 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37406/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Department considers all 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 involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation. All submissions received during the public and statutory consultation phase are considered during the licensing process. 

EU legislation which has subsequently been transposed into Irish law has contributed significantly to the protection of the environment, including the aquaculture sector. The EU Habitats and Birds Directives have resulted in the designation of certain bays by the National Parks and Wildlife Services as 'Special Areas of Conservation' and/or 'Special Protection Areas' for birds.  These are known as 'Natura 2000' sites and most aquaculture takes place within them, or adjacent to them.  

A key component of the Aquaculture Licensing process is a series of measures designed to address the impact of aquaculture on the environment.  This series of measures is known as "Appropriate Assessment".  All applications for aquaculture licences in Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas (Natura 2000 sites) are required to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of environmental compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.  

In addition, applications for marine finfish licences must be accompanied by a detailed Environment Impact Assessment Report as set out in both EU & national legislation. 

As will be seen therefore, the fullest consideration of all potential environmental impacts takes place in advance of any decision to grant an aquaculture licence and, where appropriate, an application may be refused or modified to take account of such environmental impacts.