Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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221. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how many licence applications are awaiting appropriate assessments at the Marine Institute, and if there is a prioritisation system to deal with these applications in a timely manner. [18028/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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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.

As the Competent Authority for aquaculture licencing, my Department is responsible for ensuring all applications are appropriately assessed in the context of the Birds and Habitats Directives. The Marine Institute (MI), as my Department’s scientific advisor, is requested to undertake appropriate assessments. As of the 7th of April 2025, there are 295 licence applications awaiting appropriate assessment by the MI.

Priority work is ongoing within my Department to address the outstanding renewal applications in finfish aquaculture.My Department meets with the MI on a regular basis to oversee the progress of this work.