STATEMENT BY AODHÁN Ó RÍORDÁIN
Labour Party TD for Dublin North Central
Friday, 17 June 2011
Ó RÍORDÁIN BRINGS RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS REGARDING DUBLIN BAY TO MINISTER PENROSE
Labour Party TD for Dublin North Central
Friday, 17 June 2011
Ó RÍORDÁIN BRINGS RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS REGARDING DUBLIN BAY TO MINISTER PENROSE
Labour Party Representative for Dublin North Central, Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin met with Labour Minister Willie Penrose TD, who has responsibility for planning relating to Dublin Bay.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin explained local concerns regarding Dublin Port’s recent statement that they intended to recommence their plans to infill Dublin Bay, and briefed the Minister on the planning history relating to Dublin Port and the recent An Bord Pleanála decision to refuse permission to expand the port into the bay.
Following a detailed discussion on the matter, Deputy Ó Ríordáin welcomed Minister Penrose’s commitment to bringing forward long overdue legislation on foreshore licensing and marine spatial planning. The Minister also agreed that any major projects such as the proposed expansion of Dublin Port should take place with full public engagement and consultation in the Port masterplan, and in the context of the report of the Dublin Bay Taskforce.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said “Marine spatial planning is required by the EU to ensure proper planning for large scale foreshore developments, and deals with all aspects including environmental concerns. It is essential that our out-dated foreshore legislation is brought up to the standard of best examples in other EU countries. There is considerable pressure on our marine environment, but great potential too for aquaculture, tourism and the creation of green energy solutions. We need any plans for the Bay to take place within a modern planning framework.”
ENDS
Contact Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: (01) 618-3209
Twitter: @AodhanORiordain
