Vol. 567 No. 1
276 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will urgently intervene against the recent shelving of the promised strategic study for Dublin Bay; if he will use his powers to prevent the Dublin Port Company filling in Dublin Bay; and his views on whether Dublin Bay belongs to the people, not just the Port Company. [13826/03]
It is not possible at present, given other commitments and priorities, to proceed with a strategic study of Dublin Bay. The position will, however, be kept under review in the context of my Department's work for the development of more integrated approaches to the management of coastal areas. The application by Dublin Port Company to reclaim an area of 21 hectares in Dublin Bay was made in accordance with section 10, as amended, of the Foreshore Act 1933 and falls to be considered in accordance with that provision. My Department has advised the port company that planning permission will also be required for the proposed reclamation.
