I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 44 together.
The proposed capital dredging scheme for Drogheda Port is intended to enable the port to continue, and hopefully grow, its business, for the benefit of the region, in the face of ever increasing competition and to meet higher standards required by customers. Drogheda Port Company has applied to me for a Foreshore Lease, under the Foreshore Acts, 1933 and 1992, to allow the scheme to proceed as proposed.
Drogheda Port Company has prepared and published an environmental impact statement dealing with a varity of important topics arising. Specifically the EIS examines sediment transport and coastal processes on the beach system at Mornington, Laytown, Bettystown and Gormanston and also the likely effects of the proposed scheme on the mussel fishery at Drogheda. Submissions have been made to me by a number of individuals and organisations and these are being carefully examined. Drogheda Port Company is currently undertaking further work on the EIS and will be publishing a comprehensive EIS document in a few weeks' time for public comment. I shall carefully consider all submissions made to me before coming to a decision, in due course, on the foreshore lease application from Drogheda Port Company.
Quite apart from the proposed capital dredging scheme for Drogheda Port, my Department has provided a grant of £20,000 to Meath County Council towards a study of erosion problems and suitable protection techniques for the beach system referred to. That study is nearing completion and I expect to receive a copy of the study report shortly. It may, for example, prove possible to return to that beach system some of the material brought by the tides up to Drogheda Port.