Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 357: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has commissioned a preliminary environmental impact statement on the Dublin Port application to reclaim land from Dublin Bay; if this has been released to Dublin Port; if it has been released under the Freedom of Information Act 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19640/05]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 359: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if Dublin Port has sought a lease of any part of the foreshore from the State; if the granting of such a lease would alter the basis on which permission is granted for reclamation or development of the foreshore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19643/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 359 together.

Several leases and licences have been granted over the years to Dublin Port Company under the Foreshore Acts. However, the application by the company for consent to the proposed reclamation of an area in Dublin Bay was made in accordance with sections 10 and 13, as amended, of the Foreshore Act 1933, on the basis that the company claims ownership of the area concerned.

Issues arose concerning the company's title to the area in question and these are being actively pursued by the State's legal services and the company's legal advisers. The outcome of this process will determine the basis for the further consideration of the company's application.

An environmental impact statement was submitted with the company's application and has undergone an initial evaluation by consultants engaged by the Department. The results of this initial evaluation were communicated to the company but have not been released under the Freedom of Information Act 1997. I am advised that the deciding officer who dealt with the request under that Act for access to the document concerned determined that its release would be premature pending the making of a decision as to the suitability or otherwise of the environmental impact statement submitted by the company.