Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1703. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any of the capital investment measures or schemes available under the Seafood Development Programme 2021–2027 could be applied to support environmentally focused aquaculture projects, such as oyster farming aimed at improving water quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19311/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department is responsible for the licencing of aquaculture in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, the Foreshore Act 1933 (as amended) and applicable national and EU legislation. My Department also supports the development of the Irish aquaculture sector under Ireland's €258 Seafood Development Programme, which is co-funded by the Irish government and the EU Commission under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). It provides a number of schemes under which aquaculture operators may access support , such as the Seafood Training Scheme, the Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme, and the Seafood Capacity Building Scheme.

EMFAF supports the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy. As such the focus of EMFAF funding is on supporting primary food producers (fishers and licenced aquaculture operators) and seafood processors, and on measures to support the environmental sustainability of these food producers.

Please note that the cost of purchasing stock (including oyster seed) is not eligible for funding under the EMFAF Regulation. Details on how to apply for these schemes can be found on .

The cultivation of oysters for the purpose of improving water quality, as an environmental measure, would be more appropriately funded under the EU LIFE programme, for which the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is the national contact point in Ireland. They may be contacted at LIFE@decc.gov.ie. Further information is available here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-environment-climate-and-communications/publications/life-programme/.

Please note that even if the oysters are not being harvested for human consumption, any such project would be required to ensure it is operating in compliance with relevant Regulations governing activities on the foreshore and SI 477/2011 European Communities (Birds and Habitats) Regulations 2011. Please note also that the introduction or reintroduction of animals is an Activity Requiring Consent (ARC) and may require the consent of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, further information is available here: www.npws.ie/farmers-and-landowners/activities-requiring-consent.

Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1704. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider supporting a pilot project to assess the impact of oyster farming on water quality in Dublin Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19313/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department is responsible for the licencing of aquaculture in Irish waters. My Department also supports the development of the Irish aquaculture sector under Ireland's Seafood Development Programme, which is co-funded by the Irish government and the EU Commission under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).

In 2024 a scheme providing grant-aid to aquaculture operators for capital investment measures was opened, which builds on the capital investment supports for aquaculture producers funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.

Work is also underway in my Department to progress implementation of the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development 2030, which provides a framework to support the development and growth of this important sector.

Responsibility for leading on the identification, prioritisation and implementation of measures regarding water quality lies primarily with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Funding for pilot projects such as the one mentioned would most appropriately be accessed under the EU LIFE programme, for which the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is the national contact point in Ireland. They may be contacted at LIFE@decc.gov.ie. Further information is available here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-environment-climate-and-communications/publications/life-programme/.