Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 November 2025
312. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of aquaculture licence applications awaiting appropriate assessments at the Marine Institute; if there is a prioritisation system to deal with these applications in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64333/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra313. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of aquaculture licence applications awaiting determination by his Department; the efforts being made to address delays in the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64334/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 313 together.
My Department considers applications for aquaculture 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.
Since 2012, determinations have been made in respect of over 1300 licence applications. There are a number of long-standing applications where significant issues have arisen and the Department continues to work closely with the relevant applicants and our scientific and technical advisers with a view to finding solutions and progressing these applications. However, the majority of currently pending applications have been submitted since 2021.
Every effort is being made by my Department to expedite the determination of all outstanding applications having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to fully comply with all relevant national and EU legislation. The Marine Institute (MI), as my Department’s scientific adviser, is requested to undertake appropriate assessments in relation to aquaculture licence applications.
As of the 14th of November 2025, there were 569 aquaculture licence applications on hand in my Department. Of these, 353 licence applications are currently undergoing appropriate assessment by the MI, including AA Screenings, preparation of Natura Impact Statements in the case of shellfish applications and Stage 2 full Appropriate assessments.
Progressing applications for renewals of marine finfish aquaculture licence applications is a priority for my Department in the context of the Ministerial policy decision to phase out the operation of Section 19A(4) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997. In addition, given the notable increase in the number of new and renewal shellfish applications in recent years, significant work is ongoing within my Department and the MI to progress these.
