There have been proposals to consolidate and streamline the Foreshore Act 1933 under active consideration in recent years by the former Department which had responsibility for marine functions. The proposals, which of necessity are quite complex, have been further developed since the transfer of these functions to my Department. The proposals are intended to provide a modern, effective and integrated legal framework for the management of the State's foreshore estate in the future. The proposals will take account, among other things, of the principles in the EU Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, the outcome of the EU Maritime Green Paper and the EU Marine Strategy Directive.
Legislation will shortly be brought forward to ensure that the Foreshore Act 1933 fully complies with the Public Participation Directive 2003/35/EC (Aarhus) including the right to appeal decisions in relation to foreshore consents. The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 in respect of port companies and harbour authorities; harbour related developments intended for commercial trade; all energy developments; and aggregate and mineral extraction developments on the foreshore would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions.