asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make a statement on the present situation in relation to the proposal by the Dublin Port and Docks Board to infill a large area of Dublin Bay; and the likely timetable for a decision being made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Bay Infill Proposal.
7.
Dublin Port and Docks Board made application to my Department, on 16 December 1987, to reclaim an area of 21 hectares of foreshore, east of the Sealink freight terminal and to construct a 550 metre quay on the river side of the reclaimed area. Notice of this proposal was advertised in the press on 22 April and the public were given until 31 May to make recommendations or objections. Over 4,000 objections have been received.
In view of the very large number of representations and objections I have not completed my examination of the application.
I take it that as a result of the number of representations received the Minister is now aware of the widespread public disquiet on the part of the people living along the bay area about the effects this is likely to have on the amenities which they now enjoy. On that basis when does the Minister expect to be able to respond to these anxieties by making a decision?
As I have already indicated on a number of other occasions in relation to similar issues and harbour areas, it is my opinion that developments in harbour areas should not be undertaken in a piecemeal way. I would envisage that work of this nature would be done in the context of an overall development plan whether for Dublin Bay, Shannon or Cork. In that regard the Deputy can be assured that my view is that developments of this nature should be done in the context of an overall development plan, which might contain other things, rather than in a piecemeal way.
On that basis, do I take it that he does not see any merit in the application before him? If that is his view, why does he not respond to the anxieties of the people living along the bay area by refusing the application now?
I received 4,000 objections and numerous other representations about this matter and I must have an opportunity to consider the matter fully. I will make a decision in due course.
A final supplementary, Deputy Birmingham.
Will the Minister indicate if he will be in a position to make an announcement at this side of Christmas?
We certainly do not delay decisions in our Department and the Deputy will be aware of that. I hope to deal with this matter speedily and get a clear indication of the way we hope to proceed in that area.
May I ask the Minister if the constituents could be given a New Year's present with good news on this matter?