Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if ownership has been established regarding the area of Dublin Bay which the Dublin Port Company wishes to reclaim; and if not, the work which has been done to establish ownership. [12591/06]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the environmental impact assessments which have been carried out regarding the potential infill of 52 acres of Dublin Bay; and the results of same. [12593/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.

Dublin Port Company applied in March 2002 for approval for the proposed reclamation of an area of some 21 hectares in Dublin Bay. The port company made the application under section 10 of the Foreshore Act 1933 on the basis that it owns the foreshore in question. Certain issues arose concerning the company's title to the area in question and these have been addressed in detail in correspondence between the State's legal services and the company's legal advisers. A response on the matter from the company's legal advisers is being examined by the State's legal services and I await a report.

An environmental impact statement — EIS — was submitted with the company's application and has undergone an initial evaluation by consultants engaged by the Department. It will be examined further when the legal issues concerning the foreshore in question have been resolved. Full consideration of the port company's application would also involve a process of public consultation comprising the making available of the EIS and other information concerning the application and an opportunity for interested persons or bodies to make submissions or observations on the proposal. The proposed development will also require planning permission.