Vol. 553 No. 7
180 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a new application for a foreshore licence has been received from Dublin Port to infill 52 acres of Dublin Bay; when the formal period of public consultation in this regard will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14641/02]
184 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received a revised application by Dublin Port Company to fill in 52 acres of Dublin Bay; if so, the criteria he will apply in assessing this application; if he proposes to postpone consideration until after a planning process is completed under the terms of the Planning and Development Act, 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15194/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 184 together.
Dublin Port Company made an application to my Department in March for approval under the Foreshore Acts, 1933 to 1998 in respect of the proposed reclamation of an area of some 21 hectares in Dublin Bay.
An environmental impact statement accompanied the application from the port company and is being examined, by consultants engaged by my Department, as to its compliance with relevant statutory requirements. In the event that I am satisfied that the EIS meets those requirements, the port company's proposals will be put to public consultation prior to any decision on them. The proposals will be considered in accordance with the Foreshore Acts and account will be taken, in particular, of their environmental implications.
