I am aware that the issue was discussed by the north central area committee of Dublin City Council and that the council instructed the city manager to commence the study, originally recommended for 2001, immediately. Before the operation can commence the corporation will be required to obtain a foreshore lease from me. This will involve the corporation submitting an application for the proposed development of a breach together with detailed plans of the proposed works and an environmental impact statement. My Department will consider the impact of the proposed works on fishing, navigation, the environment generally, other users of the foreshore, etc. and the matter will then go to public consultation. The corporation will be afforded an opportunity to respond to any submissions received as a result of the public consultation process and I will consider the matter in the light of the submissions made, the corporation's response to them and my Department's views on both the submissions and the Corporation's response to them. I will, after careful consideration, make my decision in the matter.