Vol. 522 No. 2
97 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the current position regarding Dublin Port Company's proposal to reclaim land in Dublin Bay; the number of applications that have been considered for a foreshore licence for such reclamation; the basis on which such applications were withdrawn, refused or not proceeded with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17890/00]
My Department has to date received two applications from the Dublin Port Company for permission to reclaim the 21 hectares site in Dublin Bay. The first application was refused by the then Minister for the Marine on environmental grounds, in 1988.
In July 1998 the Dublin Port Company re-applied under section 10 of the Foreshore Act, 1933, for permission to reclaim 21 hectares in Dublin Bay. The environmental impact statement which was submitted by the Dublin Port Company was assessed at the request of my Department by independent consultants who reported that the EIS did not comply with statutory requirements. Accordingly, a new EIS will have to be prepared to allow the Dublin Port Company's application to be considered. The port company was so informed in March 2000.
