Brian Hayes
Ceist:298 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on a planning application (details supplied) in County Louth; and if it is aligned to the National Spatial Strategy. [25202/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 23 October 2007
Ceisteanna (234)
Freagraí scríofa
In 2005/2006 my Department commissioned a unitised port capacity study. Seven ports around the country made submissions as part of that study, including one from Greenore Port. In its submission Greenore Port outlined a proposal to develop the port, including a new quay. Decisions regarding the progress of the proposal are a commercial matter for Greenore Port.
My Department has recently sought progress reports from the seven ports. Greenore has reported that a formal planning application for its proposal has not yet been made.
The National Spatial Strategy identifies strategic merit in relieving pressure on Dublin Port through targeted interventions in building up port capacity elsewhere.
The capacity study concluded that all the proposals made were generally consistent with the objectives of the National Spatial Strategy. All the proposals are located in or close to the five main gateways and six of the seven are outside Dublin city. In the case of Greenore, it is located close to the gateway town of Dundalk.