Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 2

Written Answers. - Foreshore Licences.

Ivor Callely

Question:

100 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will clarify the position on the application for a foreshore licence by Dublin Port Company having regard to Parliamentary Question No. 52 of 22 March 2000; the likely timescale a new environmental impact statement will be carried out; if he will outline the position in relation to recommencing the process which the reply stated would be deemed necessary; if he will take into consideration the several thousand objections delivered to his office should any further foreshore licence application for these 21 hectares by Dublin Port Company be considered by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18131/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

It is a matter for the Dublin Port Company to progress the preparation of a new environmental impact statement in respect of its application to reclaim 21 hectares of its own foreshore in Dublin Port. I have no timescale from the DPC for doing so. That new EIS will have to be published for public comment.

The public comment on the new EIS and the DPC response thereto will be carefully considered by me before I make a decision on the application. In the circumstances it would clearly be improper to comment any further on objections or supportive submissions relating to the earlier EIS. As I indicated to the House on 10 February last, in response to oral questions, planning permission would be required for the proposed reclamation of any part of the 21 hectares before any reclamation commenced.