Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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186. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of foreshore licence applications by Irish Water which have been received in the past 12 months; the time involved in processing of these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56710/21]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Irish Water have in the past twelve months submitted two applications for a Foreshore Licence to my Department for assessment under the Foreshore Act 1933, as amended. These applications are as follows:

1.The foreshore elements of the proposal to construct a wastewater collection and treatment system for the combined villages of Whitegate and Aghada. Specifically this application relates to a proposed marine outfall pipe, and parts of the proposed Rostellan and Whitegate wastewater pump stations and rising mains. Ref – FS007027, received February 2021. www.gov.ie/en/foreshore-notice/43d64-foreshore-notice-fs007027/

2.Construction of a temporary working area and retaining wall in the intertidal zone adjacent to Ballycotton pier. The works are to facilitate construction of a below ground pumping station, a part of the larger Ballycotton sewerage scheme development. Ref – FS007022, received March 2021. www.gov.ie/en/foreshore-notice/4bed4-irish-water-temporary-wall-and-working-area-at-ballycotton-pier/

Details of both applications can be viewed on my Departments website at www.housing.gov.ie.

The assessment of the applications for a foreshore consent involves several steps; including public and prescribed bodies consultation, environmental assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and the Birds and Habitats Directive in particular, valuation, a technical review by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee (MLVC) and a consideration of public interest matters.

It would not be appropriate for me to comment on applications that will come before me for decision. The time it takes to complete the assessment of applications varies considerably depending on the complexity of the application, the issues raised in the public consultation process and the time it takes to consider any additional information that may be required from the applicant as part of the statutory assessment processes.

My Department is in regular contact with Irish Water in relation to these applications and the Department’s website will be updated as these applications reach the various key milestones in the assessment process.