The question of pre-application consultations with any group or groups is essentially a matter for the intending developer and a practice which I would encourage in all cases of foreshore development. The intending developer in this case shows that consultation took place with seven groups prior to the submission of an environmental impact statement. Local residents groups were not among the consultees.
However, as required under legislation, the company's proposals were put to public consultation. This process commenced on 1 October and a very large number of submissions was received in my Department arising from the consultation process. Among those making submissions were the Clontarf residents' association and a number of individual residents. The company is currently being afforded an opportunity to comment on all submissions made and I will consider the content of the submissions, the company's response and the views of my Department's officials when making a decision in this case.
I will, of course, keep under review the question of meeting interested parties at a later stage, after I have received the expert assessment of the submissions made in relation to the proposed reclamation and of the port company's response thereto.
