Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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1679. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his department have no records on file for an appropriate assessment or a natura impact statement as required under the EU habitats directive for (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18720/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department considers applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, 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 licences are only taken following the fullest consideration of all consultations and public interest elements of each application, including environmental considerations.

The licence referred to by the Deputy was issued by on 07 December 2017, following the licensing procedures in place at that time. My Department's records indicate that an Appropriate Assessment is not on file in respect of that application. The licence in question is valid for a ten year period and is due for renewal in 2027. As part of the renewal process, the application will be subject to full environmental screening, including Appropriate Assessment screening.