DUBLIN BAY STATEMENT BEFORE LABOUR PARTY PUBLIC MEETING 26/4/11
Newly elected Labour Party TD for Dublin North Central, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has insisted that the Dublin Port Company must heed the concerns raised by many residents of the surrounding Dublin Bay area in relation to the proposed expansion of the Port.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin's comments come on foot of a recent public meeting which was held to gauge the views and concerns of residents in the Clontarf area. This meeting, which was organised by Deputy Ó Ríordáin, was held on Tuesday, 26th April in St. Anthony's Hall in Clontarf. The consensus reached by attendees at the meeting was that a protest should take place on Thursday, 28th April at 6:30pm outside the Clontarf Rugby and Cricket Club, where Dublin Port are having their consultation day.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said: "I believe that the Dublin Port Company must take on board the serious concerns residents in the Clontarf and surrounding Dublin Bay areas have in relation to the proposed expansion of the Port.
"The proposed expansion would obviously have huge consequences for the ecology of the Bay area which would in turn, seriously affect our ability to attract tourism. Moreover, if the expansion were to go ahead, this would negatively affect the vibrant and cherished recreational activities in the Bay such as fishing, sailing, etc.
"That is why I can fully appreciate why residents and environmental groups wish to stage this protest on Thursday, 28th. Furthermore, it is my belief that the Dublin Port Company must take on board the purpose of this protest and adhere to the wishes of the residents concerned.
"This issue has been on-going since the 1980s and it is really unfair that residents in the surrounding areas of Dublin Bay are put in this position every few years. I believe it is time that this issue is brought to suitable conclusion."
STATEMENT ENDS
