Aquaculture licence applications backlog

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has revealed that 618 aquaculture licence applications await determination.

He said the large backlog of licence applications awaiting determination arises mainly because most of the areas for which fish farming licences are sought are part of the EU’s network of protected Natura 2000 areas.

All such applications must be appropriately assessed for environmental compliance with the EU Habitats/Birds Directives. All aquaculture applications also undergo environmental impact pre-screening assessment.