Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will not support any proposal to fill in 52 acres of Dublin Bay. [7953/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Dublin Port Company has recently announced the commencement of a public consultation to help develop a master plan for the port's future development. The company's statutory responsibilities under the Harbours Act 1996 include the development of the port, the provision of sufficient port facilities, and the promotion of investment in the port.

Once completed, the master plan will outline the Company's vision for the development of the port over the next 30 years. The issues paper published by the Company for consultative purposes raises a number of different options for consideration as part of the port's future development.

I welcome this initiative being taken by the company and would encourage all stakeholders to engage constructively in the process. It is in line with international best practice and is consistent with efforts to improve integrated transport planning more generally. It is an important method for facilitating the engagement of local communities and other stakeholders in the long term planning of the port.