Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Finucane for raising this issue. Shannon-Foynes Port Company applied to my Department on 5 April under the Foreshores Acts for permission to reclaim 0.9 hectares of a small harbour at West Quay in Foynes to facilitate the temporary storage of containers. I am not aware of any application to Limerick County Council.

This proposed development would have impacted on an existing public slipway adjacent to the N69 road. Consequently, the company's application included a proposal to construct a new slipway at the north-western corner of the harbour to accommodate existing users. Consultants acting for the port company contacted the Department earlier this week, indicating that the port company was withdrawing its application. The company gave no reason for that decision and did not indicate how it proposes to proceed in this matter.

Any further application the company may wish to make in respect of this proposal would fall to be considered in the normal way under the Foreshore Acts. I am obliged to ensure that any application must meet the criteria of the Acts and follow that normal practice. This would involve, among other things, the giving of public notice of the application by way of a newspaper advertisement, so that all interested persons or bodies would have an opportunity to inspect the proposals and comment on them.

Senator Finucane quoted the statement by the company but unfortunately I cannot be responsible for the statements of all those under our control but I note what he said. I assure the Senator that all relevant issues and concerns will be fully considered before a decision is made on any further application from the company. I appreciate his reference to the importance of engagement with all interested parties and the necessity for good will.

I thank the Senator for his kind comments about the information acquired from officials in my Department and shall pass on his comments to them. The information is in the public domain. Now that the application has been withdrawn we must wait and see if there is a further application and whether it complies with legislation.

I thank the Senator for raising the issue. It may not be the last time this matter is raised but I shall be happy to return to the House to answer any questions.