Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 May 2012
40 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on his deliberations on a foreshore application in respect of a company (details supplied); and if at this stage he will consider a public inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22163/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application from Providence Resources for a foreshore licence in respect of site investigations and the drilling of an exploratory well off Dalkey is currently being assessed by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee. I will consider the recommendation of the Marine Licence Vetting Committee and my Department in due course in making a determination on the licence application. As indicated in reply to previous Questions on this matter, I do not consider that a public inquiry is warranted. Without prejudging my eventual determination of the current application, it is important to recognise that should the project progress to commercial exploitation it would be the subject of further formal applications for consents from the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, in the first instance, and then An Bord Pleanála under the Planning Acts, and a full lease or licence under the Foreshore Acts, all of which will require an Environmental Impact Assessment, including full public consultation and, where appropriate, oral hearing.
