Oireachtas committee begins scrutiny of new fisheries legislation
Deputies and senators met with key marine stakeholders to examine proposed updates to the aquaculture licensing framework. The upcoming sessions will continue with departmental officials to review environmental protections and regulatory procedures.
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Oireachtas - Press Releases
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The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs met to commence pre-legislative scrutiny of the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2026. Chaired by Deputy Conor McGuinness, the public sessions brought together various industry representatives and environmental advocates to discuss major changes to the existing legislative framework governing marine activities.
The proposed general scheme seeks to modernise the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 and the Foreshore Act 1933 by streamlining how aquaculture licences are granted and managed. Key provisions mandate that renewal applications must be submitted more than 24 months before expiration, remove provisions allowing post-expiry renewals, incorporate relevant European Union institutional acts into decision-making, and empower the Minister to revoke licences without compensation if environmental harm occurs.
Stakeholders contributing to the discussion included representatives from IFA Aquaculture, the Sustainable Water Network, Salmon Watch Ireland, An Taisce, and Coastwatch. This initial stakeholder engagement will be followed by further consultations with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine alongside relevant state agencies, with proceedings broadcast live via Oireachtas TV and the official smartphone application.
The proposed general scheme seeks to modernise the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 and the Foreshore Act 1933 by streamlining how aquaculture licences are granted and managed. Key provisions mandate that renewal applications must be submitted more than 24 months before expiration, remove provisions allowing post-expiry renewals, incorporate relevant European Union institutional acts into decision-making, and empower the Minister to revoke licences without compensation if environmental harm occurs.
Stakeholders contributing to the discussion included representatives from IFA Aquaculture, the Sustainable Water Network, Salmon Watch Ireland, An Taisce, and Coastwatch. This initial stakeholder engagement will be followed by further consultations with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine alongside relevant state agencies, with proceedings broadcast live via Oireachtas TV and the official smartphone application.