Seán Haughey
Ceist:135 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has considered the possibility of drawing up a plan for the future of Dublin bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27386/00]
Written Answers. - Dublin Bay.
It is my intention to commission as soon as possible a strategic study of the greater Dublin bay, including Dublin Port, so as to help guide future policy in relation thereto. The terms of reference, methodology and timescale for such a strategic study will have to be discussed with all the statutory authorities having a wide variety of functions in relation to the bay. This will be done so as to complement the priority national spatial strategy currently being developed by the Department of the Environment and Local Government which is due to be published next year. In particular, appropriate mechanisms for consultation with user groups and the public generally will have to be devised and put in place so as to ensure that any strategic study of the greater Dublin bay would be both meaningful and implementable. I will be initiating consultation with the relevant statutory authorities early in the new year.