Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 2

Written Answers. - Drogheda (Louth) Port Development.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

168 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine when the environmental impact study for the new port project at Tom Roe's Point and the dredging operation of the River Boyne by the Drogheda Port Authority was received by his Department; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the 1997 salmon net fishing season commences on 12 February 1997, hence the importance of completing the dredging contract work before this date; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that any further delays in the work commencing will result in the net fishermen's livelihood being interfered with, which could lead to a serious claim for compensation; when he will sanction the contract works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18779/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

The environmental impact statement relating to the proposed port development at Drogheda was forwarded by Drogheda Harbour Commissioners to the Department of the Marine on 29 July 1996. The commissioners are seeking foreshore licences for dredging and also for dumping of dredged spoil. The EIS has been considered by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee, consisting of technical experts from the Department of the Marine Institute, and the Department's detailed response to the EIS will be issued shortly to Drogheda Harbour Commissioners.

The effects which the proposed dredging will have on existing fisheries mainly shellfish and salmon is a key issue and the Department has requested the views of Drogheda Harbour Commissioners on this important matter. As is normal practice, any foreshore licence which might be granted would contain conditions setting times and methods of working to minimise interference with and adverse impact on fisheries and other facets of the marine environment.

I dealt with the issue of sanctioning the contract works in my reply to the Deputy's Question No. 309 of 15 October 1996.