Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 230: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the proposed land reclamation of 52 acres in Dublin Bay; if Dublin Bay will remain the property of all Irish citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16540/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Dublin Port Company applied in March 2002 for ministerial consent for the reclamation of 21 hectares of foreshore in Dublin Bay. As private ownership of the foreshore in question was claimed, the application was made in accordance with the provisions of sections 10 and 13, as amended, of the Foreshore Act 1933.

Issues arose concerning proof of ownership of this area of foreshore and these are being actively pursued by the State's legal services, acting on behalf of the Department, with Dublin Port Company's legal advisers. The ownership question is a material issue in terms of the form of consent that would be required for the proposed reclamation and the factors that I am required to consider in making a decision on the application.

The proposed development will also require planning permission, and Dublin Port Company has been advised that it is more appropriate that the necessary consent under the planning process be obtained before the foreshore application is dealt with. This is in accordance with normal practice where a substantial development wholly or partly on the foreshore requires planning permission.

Dublin City Council, which is the appropriate planning authority for the area, has been advised that the Minister does not object to the making of a planning application for the proposed development. However, it was made clear that there was no commitment on the Minister's part to grant the necessary foreshore consents for the development and that the application would have to be fully considered.