Haughey welcomes refusal of Dublin Port Company proposal by Bord Pleanála

Dublin North Central TD, Minister for Lifelong Learning Seán Haughey has welcomed the decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse permission for the Dublin Port Company’s proposal to develop additional port facilities with access to deep water berths at the north-eastern part of Dublin Port.

The proposal for permission was made under section 37 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, and considered as a Strategic Infrastructure Development.

“Permission has been refused on the basis that the proposed development is partly within the South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary proposed Special Protection Area (SPA), designated under the Birds Directive. It was considered that the proposal did not adequately establish that the proposal would not adversely affect both the integrity of this SPA and the natural heritage of Dublin Bay, contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.

“This is very welcome news and will be warmly received by all those concerned about the protection of the Bay area. 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. The proposed development would, in my view have had an adverse impact on the aesthetic beauty of the area”.

“In particular the residents of Clontarf will be delighted that this development is not proceeding as they have genuine concerns about the increased risk of flooding if there is further development in the Port area. They are also rightly proud of Dollymount as the only ‘blue flag’ beach in the city area”.

“I welcome the decision of An Bord Pleanála and am happy that this proposal is not being allowed to proceed. Also, I wish to congratulate those groups and residents who actively campaigned against this development”.