Dublin Bay proposals an act of environmental vandalism - Haughey

Dublin North Central T.D., Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey, has branded proposals by Dublin Port Company Ltd. to infill 52 acres in Dublin Bay as a potential act of environmental vandalism.

Speaking yesterday at a Bord Pleanála oral hearing into the planning application for development of additional port facilities with access to deepwater berths in Dublin Bay, Mr. Haughey stated:

“This project needs to be rejected on economic, environmental and social and recreational grounds. No one is suggesting that Dublin Port should cease to operate but many are of the view that any increased capacity requirements should be located elsewhere, at an alternative site, Bremore being one of the options mentioned. It is likely that sections of the Dublin Port Company landbank are under utilised or could be put to better, more efficient use. Some non-port related activities are facilitated in the port area which could also be re-located elsewhere”.

“Dublin Bay is an excellent amenity for all the people of Dublin and many enjoy walking, swimming, cycling, sailing, running, fishing, bird-watching and golfing within its environs. Any proposed development would be detrimental to the aesthetic beauty of the area. In addition there are concerns about Dollymount as the only ‘blue flag’ beach in the city area and the adverse impact which any development would have on the ecology and geomorphology of the North Bull Island”.

“The Dublin Bay Taskforce has suggested the establishment of a Master Plan for Dublin Bay and it would be wreckless in the extreme to consider allowing any piecemeal development to proceed before this blueprint is in place. In addition it must be in accordance with the Dublin City Development Plan 2005 – 2011”.

“Many residents have concerns that any infilling and dredging in the Bay would have an adverse impact on local sea level coastal dynamics, particularly in the event of flooding”.

“The proposed development needs to be rejected. Dublin Bay, rather than suffering the indignity of further infilling, needs to be developed as a showcase and a gateway to our city so that all people, residents and visitors alike, can enjoy its intrinsic beauty and the many facilities which it has to offer”.