Vol. 514 No. 2
99 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the enforcement action, if any, being taken by the EU Commission for Government failures in relation to the protection of Dublin Bay; if the action sought by the EU will alter the procedures for considering the proposal by Dublin Port Company to convert 52 acres of the bay into dockland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3777/00]
A letter has been received from the European Commission registering complaints against Ireland, alleging a failure to fully classify Dublin Bay under Directive 79/409/EEC the Birds Directive, and alleging non-compliance with article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EC the Habitats Directive, in relation to development within Dublin Bay. A response is being prepared in consultation with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. At this point, no specific action has been sought by the Commission.
The Dublin Port Company has submitted to the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources a foreshore licence application to carry out the reclamation of 52 acres in Dublin Bay and has submitted an environmental impact statement with the application. It would be a matter for the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, in examining this application, to ensure compliance with the relevant European directives, including Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EC. Should this project become the subject of a planning application, the planning authority will also have to have regard to these directives.
