I propose to take Questions Nos. 448, 450 and 457 together.
Dublin Port Company claims ownership of certain areas of foreshore in Dublin Bay, including the area in which the company proposes to reclaim some 21 hectares. The company has, at my Department's request, furnished evidence of ownership of this foreshore. This information is being examined for my Department by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. If it is confirmed that the foreshore in question is owned by the Port Company, the proposed reclamation would fall to be considered in accordance with section 10, as amended, of the Foreshore Act 1933. Reclamation of State-owned foreshore requires authorisation by way of a foreshore lease granted under section 2 of that Act.
Approval under section 10 of the 1933 Act may not be refused unless the proposed development would be or would cause or be likely to cause an obstruction to navigation or to fishing, or would have or be likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment. Planning permission will also be required for the proposed reclamation.
As matters relating to the port company's application, including the environmental impact statement submitted with the application, are under consideration, it would not be appropriate to express any view on it at this stage. The environmental impact statement would be made available in the context of public consultation on the port company's application.