asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he is aware that Dublin port development plans as at present known must result in the loss of open waterways in the Clontarf area, and in the closure of Clontarf sea baths; and that they must generally adversely affect Dollymount Strand as an amenity; and whether, in view of the importance of the Clontarf seascape and Dollymount beach as features in the tourist appeal of Dublin, the Dublin Port and Docks Board will alter their plans.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Port Development.
4.
Whilst the Dublin Port and Docks Board have published details of a proposed long range scheme for extension and improvement of the port of Dublin including that part of the port adjacent to Clontarf, this is not a development plan in the sense of the Planning Acts but rather the board's view of how expansion of the port could best be guided to take account of the long term needs of the port and its users. The scheme as published will be subject to modification and change and the end result could well be very different.
The Board, who have assembeld a planning team to work on this long term scheme, hope to produce a more definite plan for the port in due course, which will serve as a basis for discussion with the planning authorities. Each stage in the development of the port will be subject to the controls provided for in the Foreshore Acts, the Harbours Acts and, of course, the Planning Acts and there could be no question of the board proceeding with the implementation of plans without the agreement of the planning authority.
I am informed that the draft development plan for Dublin, which is at present being considered by the Dublin City Council, does not provide for extension of the port northwards to Clontarf.
In the circumstances, the question of the Port and Docks Board having to alter their plans does not arise.
In view of the importance of this area as a tourist asset and its importance to people on the north side of the city, can the Parliamentary Secretary assure the House that residents in the area will be fully consulted in regard to any eventual plan?
If there are any extensions of the plans for development in this area those plans will get the fullest publicity and any objectors or representatives of people who would have an objection to them will have every opportunity of making their case.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that an extension on the eastern side of the car ferry has taken place without, as far as I know, any consultation? Where did the notice appear for the extension to the car ferry?
This matter was dealt with under a previous order. In fact, this extension is not in the direction of Clontarf but in the eastward direction, in the general direction of the sea.
Have the Dublin Port and Docks Board——
We cannot discuss this question all the afternoon.
I have one final question. Have the Dublin Port and Docks Board produced a detailed plan and when do they propose commencing the work? Is there any idea of a date or is it still left in the air?
There is no fixed time for the commencement of any plan by the Dublin Port and Docks Board.
The Minister will not make off with Dollymount Strand the way he did with Sandymount?
There will be no interference with Dollymount Strand in the long term, as far as I know.
While I appreciate the Deputy's deep interest in the tourist industry, I would impress on the Minister the need to ensure that the Dublin Port and Docks Board plan will be implemented in so far as it will provide continuity of employment for Dublin dockers.
(Interruptions.)