Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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752. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to expedite an aquaculture licence application in respect of persons (details supplied) to ensure that jobs are secured with this shovel ready project; his views that the ongoing delays in the processing of licences is not acceptable, prevents local companies from expanding, costs jobs and is detrimental to the local economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51752/25]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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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.

All aquaculture licence applications, including the application referred to by the Deputy, must be both technically assessed and screened for an Appropriate Assessment (AA). My Department’s Marine Engineers have reported on technical matters and the Marine Institute, as the scientific advisors to the Department, have been requested to undertake the necessary assessment. When the AA screening process has been completed, my Department will be in further contact with the applicant.

The National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development (NSPSA) was published by my Department in late 2023. The NSPSA’s vision for aquaculture to 2030 foresees a sector that maintains its competitive edge through low impact-production, while building commercial resilience through technical innovation and diversification.

Among the 58 actions in the Plan are six involving improvements to the Aquaculture Licensing process, including the rollout of a user-friendly online aquaculture licensing and information system. The Implementation Steering Group for this plan, established in March 2025, has met four times to date and is working to deliver on the actions outlined.