Vol. 504 No. 6
5 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the proposal for a 70 metre breach of the Bull Island causeway, Dublin, to address the problems associated with the bridging of the causeway at Dollymount, Dublin, causing build up of siltation, mud banks and mud flats and an increase in sea bed levels in the Dublin Bay area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11941/99]
No application has been made to me or my Department for a foreshore lease or licence under the Foreshore Acts to allow works of the nature described in the question. I am aware from a newspaper report that a breach, to be covered by a 300 metre long bridge, has been proposed but the proposal has not, as yet, been adopted by Dublin Corporation. If such an application is received it will be subject to a public consultation process and be carefully considered. My Department has no funds available to it for such works. Dublin Corporation is aware of the need for a foreshore licence or lease to carry out works of the nature described.
The Deputy will be aware that Dublin Corporation commissioned a consultant's study which was published in June 1996 following which the city council adopted a motion calling on the corporation to take all necessary steps to restore fishing, boating and swimming between Bull Island and the mainland.
I thank the Minister for his positive response. The Minister is probably aware of my strong representations on this matter as this area is very dear to me. It is also dear to the Minister as his constituency joins mine. I walk one part of the area and I think I see him on the other side of the causeway. Some of the ushers of the House who are present are also very familiar with this area.
In order to proceed with a true reflection of the public's desire regarding the breach in the causeway, and the ESBI report indicated three different breaches, will the Minister agree to a round table meeting with Dublin Corporation and me to discuss how best we can go about an application for a foreshore licence or lease or other ways to resolve this matter?
I would be happy to pursue this very important matter with the Deputy. The corporation controls this area and carried out studies to examine possible solutions. It has offered a number of solutions and the council apparently took the view that the corporation should take all steps necessary to restore fishing, boating and swimming between Bull Island and the mainland.
That would involve a breach and the foreshore lease is one aspect; technical and engineering matters are another issue. I would be happy to meet representatives of the Department of the Environment and Local Government as well as the corporation to discuss this matter as I am aware that it is a major concern and must be addressed urgently. I would be very positive in my approach to these difficulties.
How long does it take to process a foreshore lease or licence, whichever is more appropriate in the case of the breach of the causeway going ahead?
That is a very difficult question to answer specifically. It is like the planning process. One must have the support of the environmental impact study. The implications of the work and the question of whether the undertaking is worthwhile must be considered. This would take a few months which is not a great amount of time. The real problem is to decide the best course of action. The Deputy is right to suggest that a working group should examine the matter and I am prepared to participate in any such group.
