NW councils responsible forLough Foyle builds

The Sentinel recently reported how the Irish planning board had approved a compulsory purchase order for part of the Lough Foyle seabed despite the whole of the waterway being UK-owned - right up to the Inishowen shoreline.

And almost three years ago the Sentinel revealed how the Republic of Ireland’s (ROI) territorial ambitions in Lough Foyle were partly blamed for blocking the Project Kelvin submarine cable’s progress up the waterway

But now Mr Attwood has revealed that whilst the seabed out to 14 mautical miles - including Lough Foyle - is owned by the Crown Estate, responsibility for land and marine planning applications falls to local councils.

In Lough Foyle’s case marine applications therefore fall to Derry City and Limavady Borough Councils.

The Planning Minister was asked at the Stormont Assembly whether councils’ views on marine planning applications will be taken on board and not be overridden by outside bodies.

He replied: “I presume that the Member is going back to the issue of the Crown Estate. As I indicated in the Marine Bill’s Second Stage debate, and particularly in reply to Mr Allister, the legal ownership of the seabed remains with the Crown Estate.

“However, under the Northern Ireland Act 1998, marine management out to 14 nautical miles was passed to the devolved Administration. Therefore, whether it is marine planning or in respect of any land-based application, responsibility falls strictly to local authorities. Yes, there will be consultation with all appropriate organisations.”

He added that the Crown Estate, Whitehall and Leinster House have been informed of his plans to devise a marine strategy.

“Yes, I have advised the Crown Estate, the devolved Governments and those in London and Dublin that I intend to develop a marine plan.

“I am obliged to do that, and it is good practice, given that we share the water known as the Irish Sea. However, decisions in respect of these matters will be taken by domestic authorities,” he said.