Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 853: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the discussions which have taken place with the Dublin Port Company regarding its plan for the expansion of the port; if discussions have taken place with the company regarding suggested proposals to infill an area of 52 acres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28580/06]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 864: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will reject outright the latest application of the Dublin Port Company to reclaim 52 acres of the inner Dublin Bay; the position regarding the ownership of the foreshore in question; and the suitability of the port companies environmental impact statement. [28896/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 853 and 864 together.

An application from Dublin Port Company for approval under the Foreshore Acts for the proposed reclamation of an area of some 21 hectares of foreshore was made to the Department in March 2002. Since then, Departmental officials have held periodic discussions with Dublin Port Company's management regarding issues arising from the application. This is a regular occurrence in most major foreshore applications.

The application is being considered in accordance with the appropriate procedures. These include a process of public consultation in which it will be open to interested persons to make submissions on the proposal.

The proposed development will also require planning permission before any determination can be made on the foreshore application. Issues associated with ownership of the foreshore as well as environmental matters will form an important part of the Department's consideration to the proposal.