Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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1088. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine given that the Cong Salmon Hatchery run by Inland Fisheries Ireland in county Galway is not located within a special area of conservation, the reason the licence for its operation is to be subject to an initial appropriate assessment screening under the EU Habitats Directive when the current licence is renewed in 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29023/25]

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.

As the Competent Authority for aquaculture licensing, my Department is responsible for assessing the potential adverse effects of aquaculture 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 aquaculture licences are screened to determine if a full Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is required.

The licence referred to by the Deputy is valid for a ten year period and is due for renewal in 2027. As with all aquaculture licence applications, the application for a renewal of the licence will be subject to full environmental screening, including Appropriate Assessment screening in line with the current licensing process.