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IFA Aquaculture has welcomed the publication of a Bill by
the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan
Smith, to transfer licencing powers for non-food related foreshore
activities to the Department of Environment, Heritage and
Local Government (Click
Here).
IFA
Aquaculture Executive Secretary, Richie Flynn, said - “IFA
has pointed out, since the breakup of the old Department of
Marine and Natural Resources, that it was inappropriate and
a diversion of scarce resources for DAFF to have to deal with
underwater pipelines, yachting marinas and infrastructure.
It is not before time that these incompatible responsibilities
are moved out of the Department to allow the Minister and
his officials to concentrate on the important task of developing
jobs and exports in the seafood sector.
"Licencing
of commercial activities - such as dredging, energy exploration,
harbours, marinas, etc - have no place in a food-focused department
and the many legal cases associated with these developments
have distracted from the main task of licensing aquaculture
and fisheries.”
Mr
Flynn added - “Commercial non-food licencing can have an impact
on the environment near fish farming areas, so the newly-responsible
Department of Environment, when considering licencing, must
continue to take into account potentially negative effects
- particularly where developments could affect the quality
or safety of seafood grown or fished nearby.”
IFA
Aquaculture is anxious that the necessary legislation passes
quickly through all stages in the Oireachtas to ensure that
an efficient, transparent and workable aquaculture licensing
system is up and running immediately.
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