Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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In line with our responsibilities under the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, my Department publishes marine notices once notified of any activities or operations that may impact safety of navigation. In the case of Marine Notice 43 of 2022 my Department was notified by Ondine Limited of its intention to undertake geophysical survey works between 1 July and 15 August 2022. Marine Notice 43 of 2022 was published for maritime safety and navigation reasons on foot of the notification to my Department, to make mariners aware of the operations taking place in order to ensure their safety. The issuing of a marine notice should never be construed as conferring rights or granting permissions.

My Department’s role is to ensure that we meet our international obligations as required by the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea for safety of navigation purposes and my Department has no role in providing approvals or granting lawful consents for such surveys to be undertaken. Notwithstanding that position, I understand that where required, decisions on planning approvals for such surveys are undertaken by the Marine Planning and Foreshore Section of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.