Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 470: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will request an independent environmental assessment of the impact of drilling in Dublin Bay by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24885/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The application from Providence Resources for a foreshore licence in respect of site investigations and the drilling of an exploratory well off Dalkey is currently the subject of an environmental assessment by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee, which is an independent group of scientific and technical advisers which assesses all applications for foreshore consent.

Their assessment will involve a detailed examination of the application, related information and issues raised in submissions received from the public and prescribed bodies, and the applicant's responses to those issues. I expect that the environmental assessment will consider potential impacts on European sites, sensitive species, other legitimate uses within the area the subject of the application, and navigation issues.

I will consider the recommendation of the Marine Licence Vetting Committee and my Department in due course in making a determination on the licence application.