Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 301: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will make a submission to An Bord Pleanála regarding the proposed reclamation of 52 acres in Dublin Bay indicating the Government's opposition to this proposal in view of statements made by Deputies supporting the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35448/08]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 302: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will order the Dublin Port Company under the Harbours Act 1996 to withdraw its application for permission to infill 52 acres of Dublin Bay from An Bord Pleanála under the Planning and Infrastructure Development Strategic Act 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35449/08]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 303: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will instruct Dublin Port to withdraw its reclamation proposals and confirm Government opposition to the proposal at An Bord Pleanála in view of public comments by Deputy Finian McGrath that the abandonment of the Dublin Port proposal to infill a large area of Dublin Bay opposite Clontarf is part of his arrangement and agreement with the Taoiseach to support the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35450/08]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 304: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that the deal with Deputy Finian McGrath to vote for and support the Government includes a commitment to abandon and end an attempt by Dublin Port to infill a large part of Dublin Bay at Clontarf; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35452/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 301 to 304, inclusive, together.

I am aware that Dublin Port Company has made an application to An Bord Pleanála under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 to reclaim 21 hectares, in order to facilitate proposed infrastructure development.

While planning applications are operational matters for the port company, the strategic infrastructure planning regulations list a number of "prescribed bodies" that must be consulted by An Bord Pleanála prior to any decision being reached. In this instance, the Minister for Transport is such a "prescribed body" and can, therefore, expect to be consulted on the application as part of the planning process.

The National Development Plan 2007-2013 provides for a comprehensive study of the role of Dublin Port, taking account of locational considerations, in the context of overall ports policy on the island of Ireland, wider transport policy, urban development policy, the National Spatial Strategy and national economic policy. My Department has commissioned Indecon International Economic Consultants to undertake this study and a final report is expected in early 2009.

The political agreements that An Taoiseach's predecessor entered into, as leader of Fianna Fáil, with certain deputies are confidential, but they are, as always, based upon the Programme for Government, which incorporates the National Development Plan, approved Government programmes and the annual estimates.