John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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1763. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine why the Marine Institute carries out screening for appropriate assessment for aquaculture licences, but doesn’t fulfil the same function for applications for a foreshore licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21147/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department has responsibility for foreshore licensing functions in respect of designated fishery harbour centres, activities wholly or primarily for the use, development or support of aquaculture, and activities which are wholly or primarily for the use, development, or support of wild fisheries.

Applications for foreshore licences are considered in accordance with the provisions of the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable national and EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well various consultees and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, which is a statutory requirement.

As the Competent Authority for foreshore licensing in respect of the above functions, my Department is responsible for assessing the potential adverse effects of foreshore licence applications (in combination with other plans or projects) on Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in the context of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. As part of this process all applications for foreshore licences are screened to determine if a full Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is required. The Marine Institute, as my Department’s scientific advisor, is requested to undertake appropriate assessments in respect of foreshore applications which fall under the remit of my Department.