I propose to take Questions Nos. 1528, 1529 and 1570 together.
An application from Dublin Port Company for approval under the Foreshore Acts for the proposed reclamation of an area of some 21 hectares of foreshore was made to the Department in March 2002.
The application is being considered in accordance with the appropriate procedures. These include a process of public consultation in which it will be open to interested persons to make submissions on the proposal.
The proposed development will also require planning permission before any determination can be made on the foreshore application. It is understood that an application for planning permission in respect of the proposed development has been submitted by the Port Company to An Bord Pleanála.
An application by the Company for a foreshore licence to facilitate site investigations in relation to the proposed development is also being considered by my Department. This application is currently being examined in the normal way by my Department's technical advisers.