Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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185. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the nature of the geophysical survey works in relation to Marine Notice No. 09 of 2022; the way that they are applied for; the number of surveys issued each year; if these surveys involve the use of technology that may clear fish from an area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8945/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Department has no role in processing or approving applications for the survey works referred to in your question and interested parties are advised to contact the relevant companies directly for further information if required. 

My Department issues Marine Notices mainly for safety of navigation purposes in order to advise mariners of operations taking place so they may navigate safely. This is done on foot of notifications received in the Department and based on the information provided. This is set out in the Marine Notices themselves where is it noted that they are “issued purely for maritime safety and navigation reasons and should not be construed as conferring rights or granting permissions”.  My Department published 66 Marine Notices in 2021, 48 of which were issued for safety of navigation purposes. The remaining notices related to statutory requirements, public consultations or reminders for safety on board vessels.