asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will state the position now obtaining regarding the future development plans for the Port of Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Port Development.
56.
The Dublin Port and Docks Board have established a planning team which includes a planning expert from one of the principal continental ports, an economic planning expert who has acted as adviser to OECD, and also a landscape architect. The team's task is to draw up a plan for the long-term development of the port having regard to the requirements of future traffic through the port and the appropriate amenities. The preservation of the amenities of the area will be an important consideration in the formulation of the plan.
As I have previously indicated, the plan, which is expected to be available about the end of April, 1970, will be examined by the Government in the light of local and national considerations. Moreover, neither this nor any other plan which may be recommended by the Dublin Port and Docks Board can be implemented save in compliance with the provisions of the Harbours Act, the Foreshore Act and planning legislation all of which provide for prior public consultation and for consideration of any objections which interested parties may lodge.
May I ask the Minister who are the Dublin Port and Docks Board?
They are a statutory authority. My main concern is to ensure——
Could the Minister elaborate on that a little more?
They are a statutory authority who represent shipping interests. They have control over various shore areas adjacent to the port. My main concern, as the Minister responsible to the House in regard to any activity in which they may engage, is to ensure that they do not engage in any activity in excess of orders made under statutory authority by this House. I have had occasion recently to examine this matter in detail. I can assure the House that no activity will be engaged in by this authority in excess of the statutory authority which they have been given by orders under the Harbours Act and the Foreshore Act.
The Minister mentioned shipping interests. Are there private vested interests involved here?
The Dublin Trades Council is also involved.
I can assure the House that, so far as I am concerned, nothing will be done in excess of statutory authority by this board or any other board.