Vol. 554 No. 5
797 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when his Department will commence the public consultation process regarding the application by the Dublin Port Company to infill 52 acres of Dublin Bay. [15469/02]
798 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received a valid application from the Dublin Port Company to infill 52 acres of Dublin Bay; and if so, the date of the application. [15470/02]
811 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the Dublin Port Company will be required to obtain planning permission first before its application of March 2002 for a foreshore licence can be determined; when the formal period of consultation will commence as set out in legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16101/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 797, 798 and 811 together.
Dublin Port Company applied on 7 March 2002, for approval, as required under section 10 of the Foreshore Act, 1933, for the reclamation of 21 hectares of foreshore in Dublin Port, and for consent to deposit material on the foreshore as required under section 13 of the Act. My Department is having the environmental impact statement which accompanied the company's application examined by experts to determine whether it meets statutory requirements and provides sufficient information to allow a decision to be made on the application. A decision on the initiation of the public consultation process for the proposal will be made in the light of the outcome of this examination.
My Department has informed the port company that legal advice has been obtained that, by virtue of section 225 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, planning permission is required for the proposed reclamation. I understand the port company is considering the position in consultation with its advisers and will revert to my Department on the matter.
