Vol. 508 No. 1
174 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will ensure that a foreshore lease requested on Strand Road, Sutton, is not granted in view of serious objections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17226/99]
An application for a foreshore lease under the Foreshore Acts, 1933 to 1998, has been made to my Department in respect of a proposed development on the foreshore in the area mentioned in the Deputy's question.
Meanwhile it is a requirement that planning permission be obtained for the shore-based works associated with the proposed development. Fingal County Council's decision in the matter is awaited.
In accordance with normal practice, the matter was put for public consultation through advertising the prospective developer's intentions and having plans, drawings etc. available for public inspection for a period of 21 days. Under this process, members of the public were given an opportunity to make any views, representations or objections to my Department within 21 days of the advertisement of the intention to develop.
Where objections are received, the prospective developer is given an opportunity to comment upon them. Where appropriate the views of the various experts available to me are also sought. Having received the proposal, views, objections or representations on an application, together with the response of the prospective developer to those views, objections or representations and any expert advice appropriate in the case, I then consider the matter fully and make a decision on whether to grant a foreshore lease for the proposed development.
This process is currently in train in respect of this development and the period for public consultation has passed. It is also a requirement that planning permission be obtained for the shore-based works associated with the proposed development.
When I have the views of the prospective developers to hand, I will consider the matter fully in the light of all the evidence available to me, including conditions attached to planning permission, if such permission is granted, and make a decision in the light of that evidence.
