asked the Minister for Transport and Power where and when model tests of the whole Dublin harbour development, including effects of reclamation work, have been carried out.
21.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Harbour Development.
20.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he considers it necessary that a survey be made in the Dublin Bay area to ascertain the effects, if any, of land reclamation in the area on the hydrographic conditions.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose taking Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together.
Under the provisions of the Harbours Act, 1946, responsibility for the deepening, improving and dredging of the port of Dublin and for the taking of all proper measures for the management, control and operation of the port rests with the Dublin Port and Docks Board. The carrying out of surveys or model tests in connection with dredging or reclamation is therefore a matter for the board.
I am informed by the board that they have had model tests carried out at the Hydraulic Research Station at Wallingford, England, from 1964 to 1967, to study certain aspects of the ESB's power station development. In addition the board have been advised that reclamation works already undertaken have had no appreciable effect on the hydraulic regime of Dublin Bay. They have also been advised that little purpose would be served by further model tests pending decisions on the board's long-term proposals for the future of the port the detailed design of which may possibly give rise to the need for hydraulic studies including the use of models.