I propose to take Questions Nos. 571 to 573, inclusive, together.
At my request, the Dublin Regional Authority established the Dublin Bay Task Force in May 2008, essentially to prepare a draft Master Plan for Dublin Bay and make recommendations in relation to institutional arrangements for coastal zone management in the Bay. The Task Force operates under the aegis of the Regional Authority and is chaired by the Cathaoirleach of the Authority.
A list of groups and organizations represented on the Task Force is set out below. The composition of the Task Force reflects recommendations I made to the Authority in 2008 with a view to ensuring the engagement of key stakeholders and decision-makers, though ultimately membership is a matter for the Authority. I made no direct appointments to the Task Force. There is no set term of office for Task Force members.
At the outset, it was anticipated that the work of the Task Force would, to the extent necessary, be financed by contributions from my Department's vote, the local authorities concerned and possibly the commercial port companies represented. My Department is examining the scope for part-funding the work of the Task Force having regard to current pressures on all areas of the Department's expenditure. I am not aware of the intentions of the relevant local authorities in this regard.
In current circumstances, consideration of legislation concerning integrated coastal zone management planning or other planning for Dublin Bay, and of related institutional arrangements, would be premature
DUBLIN BAY TASK FORCE
Groups and organisations represented
Dublin City Council (including elected members)
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
Fingal County Council
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (including the National Parks & Wildlife Service)
Department of Transport
Dublin Bay Watch
Dublin Docklands Development Authority
Dublin Port Company
Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company
Coast Watch