Club News
FORESHORE LICENCES
The foreshore division will split in the New Year between the Department of Agriculture, Clonakilty (who will be responsible for applications relating to aquaculture) and the Department of Environment, Wexford who will now look after appropriate applications relating to renewable energy and the marine leisure sector.
The ISA met with the Department of Environment in Wexford before Christmas to discuss foreshore applications. The main issues that were discussed included the time taken to process applications, the procedure for valuations, regularising existing structures that do not have a license and the possibility of a derogation of fees for voluntary organisations providing an ‘inclusive’ service to local communities.
At that meeting, the Department indicated that they anticipate that there will be a team of ten staff working in the foreshore section and a full review will be carried out in 2010 to try and improve the efficiency of the system.
The ISA offered to work with potential applicants, as requested, to ensure that their applications are submitted with all relevant documentation and prior consultations completed. The ISA understand from the Department that support of this nature would considerably speed up the process and would be welcomed.
It was also agreed that a bi-annual meeting will be held between the ISA and the Department of Enviroment to discuss any ongoing issues.
The ISA is to make a submission to the Department early in the new year that will feed into the review process. If your organisation has any issues with foreshore applications or you wish to have any input into the ISA Submission, please contact Harry Hermon (harry@sailing.ie).