Vol. 511 No. 3
115 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the controversial work being undertaken at Drogheda Port in view of a statement by a person (details supplied); and the steps, if any, he is taking to save this habitat from further destruction. [24583/99]
Drogheda Port Company is the authority responsible under the Harbours Act, 1996, for the management, control, operation and development of the port of Drogheda and its approach channels. The port company is advancing a project which involves the development of port facilities at Tom Roe's Point, including the construction of a 160 metre quay and attendant onshore facilities and capital dredging of the shipping channel on the River Boyne. The project is essential for the future viability of the port, to service the needs of commercial traffic which supports the development of the region's industry and agriculture and for those whose livelihoods depend on it.
The port company has complied and will comply with all statutory requirements in the execution of the project, including planning permissions; foreshore licence requirements, which include the requirements specified by Dúchas, the national parks and wildlife service of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands; dumping at sea permits, and Environmental Protection Agency waste licence conditions. In addition, the port company has complied with any orders or determinations made by the courts.
I am advised that the company has at all times carried out the works in accordance with the foreshore licence issued by my Department, on foot of expert advice from Dúchas, and subsequent orders of the High Court. Certain works are suspended pending the outcome of continuing court proceedings.
