631. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to examine concerns raised in relation to an aquaculture licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53609/26]

All applications for aquaculture and foreshore licences are considered 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, which for this application was held  from 11th December 2023 – 12th February 2024.

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 which in respect of this application also included an Appropriate Assessment and an Environmental Impact Assessment. These assessments are available to view on my Department’s website at the following link:  www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/aquaculture-licences/t06-202-silver-king-seafoods-ltd-aquacultureforeshore-licence-application-east-of-deenish-island-co-kerry/

As the licence application is currently under active consideration by my Department as part of a statutory process, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the matter at this time.