342. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to works undertaken at a quay (details supplied) in County Galway; if a foreshore licence was required for the work undertaken; if one was sought and approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23165/15]

The pier referred to by the Deputy is in the ownership of Galway County Council. The Council has advised my Department that the pier was in a state of serious collapse and posed a real and significant danger to all those who used the pier.

My Department did not receive an application for a Foreshore consent in relation to the works in question and a legal question has arisen as to the requirement for such a consent in all the circumstances that prevailed including, but not limited to, whether the structure in question pre–existed the 1933 Foreshore Act.

My Department is currently examining this matter in conjunction with its legal advisors.