Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 457: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the need to ensure that the Government commissioned report on the future of all ports here is completed and available to An Bord Pleanála prior to them taking a decision on the current application in respect of Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29802/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I have recently received a final report of the Dublin Port National Development Plan Study for my consideration and it is my intention to publish the findings of this report in the near future. I am not aware of any other Government commissioned reports on the national ports sector. An Bord Pleanála is currently considering a planning application lodged by Dublin Port Company under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 to reclaim 21 hectares in order to facilitate proposed 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. In this instance, I as Minister for Transport am such a "prescribed body" and was duly consulted on the application as part of the planning process. My Department was informed of the planning application in August 2008 and subsequently made a submission to the Board informing them of the purpose and progress of the Dublin Port Study provided for under the National Development Plan. The date for determination with regard to the port company's planning application is a matter for An Bord Pleanála.