Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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23. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on introducing legislation to prohibit the granting of aquaculture licences within or adjacent to special areas of conservation and marine protected areas. [38151/21]

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 advisors as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of Public Consultation. In addition, the Department must adhere to a wide range of regulatory requirements and other legislation which impact on the licensing process.

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.

The Appropriate Assessment process is managed in the main by the Marine Institute via environmental/scientific contractors commissioned by the Institute to carry out the necessary field work and desk analysis. To date, the Marine Institute has submitted Appropriate Assessments in respect of 35 bays to the Department.

My scientific and technical advisors, based on current scientific knowledge and best practice, have not recommended any blanket prohibition such as that envisaged in the Deputy's question.