Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Transport when he will publish his report on the future of Dublin Port; what he intends to recommend for the future location and size of Dublin Port; if any of the measures in the report will require new legislation; if he is liaising with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on proposals for Dublin Port and bay; if he has made or will be making a submission on the proposed reclamation of 21 hectares at Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39865/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has commissioned Indecon International Economic Consultants to undertake a comprehensive study of the role of Dublin Port as provided for under the National Development Plan 2007-2013.

This study will examine the feasibility and conduct a cost-benefit analysis of various scenarios relating to Dublin Port, including:

Existing port activities continuing to expand with demand,

Relocating all or part of Dublin Port's existing activities to an alternative location(s),

Port activities continuing at current levels with growth being catered for at alternative locations. Work on the Dublin Port study is progressing well and I expect a final report for my consideration in early 2009.

I have and continue to liaise closely with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with regard to Dublin Port. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is represented on the Steering Group of the Dublin Port Study. In turn my Department is represented on the Dublin Bay Task Force, established by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government under the chairmanship of the Dublin Regional Authority.

In relation to the recent planning application by Dublin Port Company to An Bord Pleanála, the strategic infrastructure planning regulations list a number of "prescribed bodies" which must be informed of any applications. In relation to this particular application, the Minister for Transport is such a prescribed body and I received a copy of the application. My Department has written to An Bord Pleanála updating the Board on the progress of the Dublin Port Study.

Under the strategic planning regulations, the Board must seek further consultations from prescribed bodies in certain circumstances and as such I may be consulted further on the matter.