Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

349. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on oyster licences in respect of an applicant in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14802/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department considers applications for aquaculture and foreshore licences in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, as amended, the Foreshore Act 1933 (as amended), 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. Decisions in respect of aquaculture licence applications are only taken following the fullest consideration of all consultations and public interest elements of each application, including environmental considerations.

All aquaculture licence applications, including the applications referred to by the Deputy, must be both technically assessed and screened for an Appropriate Assessment. The Department’s Marine Engineering Division reports on technical matters and the Marine Institute, as the scientific advisor to the Department, was requested to undertake a full Appropriate Assessment.

The Final Appropriate Assessment Report in respect of these applications is currently under consideration. When the Appropriate Assessment and associated Determinations have been finalised, my Department will be in contact with the applicant on the next stage of the process.

As the applications referred to by the Deputy are currently under consideration it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on individual applications.