236. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the applications submitted in December 2024 by Fingal County Council in respect of Skerries Harbour, County Dublin, including the application for a foreshore licence to carry out borehole investigations into the seabed and the application for a foreshore lease to allow for the construction of a new outer pier; the current status of both applications; whether any additional information is outstanding from Fingal County Council or its consultants; the expected timeline for a decision on each application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47965/26]

My Department considers applications for foreshore leases and foreshore licences in accordance with the provisions of 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 foreshore licence applications are only taken following the fullest consideration of all consultations and public interest elements of each application, including environmental considerations.

All foreshore licence applications, including the applications 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 in relation to these applications. To assist with the volume of cases awaiting to undergo an Appropriate Assessment, my Department has engaged the services of an environmental consultant to undertake the necessary assessment. When the AA screening process has been completed, my Department will be in further contact with the applicant.