More EIAs likely after EU request on aquaculture plans

ENVIRONMENTAL Impact Assessments (EIAs) may be required more often for aquaculture projects, following recent communications from the EU regarding Ireland’s compliance with an EU directive on fish farms.

The Department of Agriculture has been asked to apply 1985 criteria to aquaculture licence applications on a case-by-case basis when deciding whether an EIA is required. There is already a major backlog in processing of new and renewal aquaculture licence applications, which largely arises – according to the department – because most of the licences are being sought in designated Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas.

The number of aquaculture licence applications awaiting determination is 487 – 259 applications for first time licences and 228 renewal applications.