Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 1

Written Answers. - Foreshore Licences.

Ivor Callely

Question:

57 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the resolution of Dublin City Council to initiate procedures to breach the causeway at the Bull Island, Dollymount, Dublin 3; the procedures that will be required by his Department should such a breach be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7731/01]

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

I refer the Deputy to the detailed reply to a similar parliamentary question, No. 17 on 25 November, 1999. I am not aware of any more recent resolution of the council relating to this issue.

Should Dublin Corporation decide to initiate procedures to breach the causeway at Bull Island it will be necessary for it to make prior appli cation to my Department for a foreshore licence, lease or permission to allow this. The application will have to be accompanied by a full environmental impact statement and the impacts will be considered by the marine licensing vetting committee – MLVC – which is an advisory body comprising technical and scientific staff from both inside and outside my Department. It will also be subject to a full public consultation process. Having considered the views of the MLVC, submissions arising from the public consultation process and views of statutory consultees such as Dúchas, a report will be made to me and I will make a decision on the matter.

The Deputy will also recall that, in response to Question No. 16 of 10 February 2000 on this subject, I advised him that my Department had conveyed approval for grant aid for the study of the effects of breaching the causeway to Dublin Corporation. I understand this study is ongoing and that funding has been made available to Dublin Corporation.

Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 35.