Sea fisheries, aquaculture and marine research, marine engineering and pier and harbour development will all fall under the auspices of the newly expanded department, which also retains all its former functions.
In addition the new department will also be responsible for all aquaculture licensing, all foreshore licensing and licences in respect of all energy, aggregate and mineral extraction projects on the foreshore.
New department to give fresh impetus
IRELAND - The creation of a new Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has been welcomed this week by Minister Mary Coughlan as an opportunity to forward the development of sea fisheries and the aquaculture industries in Ireland.