Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004
190 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress which has been made in the assessment of the EIS from Dublin Port for the filling in of 52 acres in Dublin Bay, when a decision on the EIS will be issued; and the exact sequence of decision making in respect of foreshore licences and planning permission for such a proposal. [20919/04]
View answer191 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has obtained clarification from the Chief State Solicitor’s office on the ownership of the foreshore where Dublin Port have sought 52 acres infill. [20921/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.
Dublin Port Company claims ownership of certain areas of foreshore in Dublin Bay, including the area in which the company proposes to reclaim some 21 hectares. Evidence of ownership of the area in question provided by the port company has been examined for my Department by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor, and it is expected that consideration of this matter will be finalised in the near future.
If it is established that the foreshore in question is in the ownership of the port company, the proposed reclamation would fall to be considered under section 10, as amended, of the Foreshore Act, 1933. Reclamation of State owned foreshore, on the other hand, requires authorisation by way of a foreshore lease granted under section 2 of that Act.
In either event, consideration of the port company's application will involve a process of public consultation in which interested persons and organisations will have an opportunity to make submissions on relevant issues.
The EIS prepared by the port company in respect of the proposed reclamation would be made available as part of any public consultation on the proposal. Certain matters relating to that document are under consideration at present. The port company will also have to apply for planning permission for the proposed reclamation.
