Michael Cahill
Ceist:138. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to urgently address and rescind a licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69067/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 30 September 2026
Ceisteanna (138)
Freagraí scríofa
All applications for aquaculture and foreshore licences are considered in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 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 as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation. All submissions received during the public and statutory consultation phases are considered during the licensing process.
The application referred to by the Deputy also underwent an Appropriate Assessment in compliance with the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, as amended, and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as part of the licensing process.
I made a determination in respect of this application on 17th August 2026. A public notice of the determination was published in the “Kerryman” newspaper dated 26th August 2026 and “The Southern Star” newspaper dated 29th August 2026. The timeline for possible appeals to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) remained open until 28th September 2026, as part of the statutory process.
As provided for in legislation, the Board shall, as soon as practicable after receiving a notice of appeal, send by post to the Minister a copy of the notice. As the timeline for possible appeals has only now closed, and the Department has yet to receive any possible notice of appeal from ALAB, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.