Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

Currently, this section only allows for consideration of leases and licences approvals or consents actually granted under the Foreshore Act and this is in contrast to the subsection regarding regulatory requirements under the planning Acts where consideration of both applications and permissions granted is specified. To ensure consistency, it is proposed to amend section 3 to allow for consideration of any application made under the Foreshore Act prior to a ministerial order being made to alter a company's harbour limits. The amendment has a practical aspect because foreshore leases are not granted generally until planning permission has been granted. It is important, therefore, that applications under the Foreshore Act be considered also.