Vol. 547 No. 3
149 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reason conditions under licence from his Department for the removal of silt from Galway Harbour were apparently not complied with; his plans to amend legislation in order to allow an appeal by those concerned for such licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3188/02]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy to note that the long overdue dredging of Galway Harbour was satisfactorily completed. The essential condition of the dumping at sea permit granted to Galway Harbour Company, namely, no dredging of material in the starboard side of the commercial dock, was fully complied with. The Marine Institute has confirmed, from a survey of the dumpsite where all dredged material was dumped, that no material from that exclusion zone was found there. As already indicated, the minor variations in other permit conditions necessitated by bad weather, tidal conditions, engineering constraints and in the interests of safety, had no adverse environmental consequences.
The fundamental review of the Department's business and structures, signalled in my Department's strategy statement published last year, will take account of the need for a comprehensive independent appeals framework and the need for consolidation and integration of the legislative framework for coastal zone and natural resources management.
