Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

268. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of seaweed harvesting licence applications (details supplied). [47069/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 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.

In accordance with the applicable legislation, the Statutory and Public Consultation phase in respect of the applications referred to by the Deputy has now concluded.  Every effort is being made to expedite determinations in respect of these applications having regard to the complexities involved.

As these licence applications are under active consideration as part of a statutory process, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the matter at this time.