Port expansion plan blocked over environmental concerns
A controversial scheme to fill in 50 acres of Dublin Bay for a port expansion was rejected by planners today over environmental concerns.
An Bord Pleanala refused Dublin Port Company’s application on grounds the firm had not adequately established what long-term effect the scheme would have on the loss of wetland habitat or on bird species.
Part of the planned site fell within a proposed special protection area.
Chair of Dublin Bay Watch, Councillor Gerry Breen, said it was a fantastic day for campaigners.
“Hopefully this decision will see the end of the 40-year-old folly of the Port Company of attempting to infill the bay,” he said.
“Now we can turn to shape a vision for the bay which accords with the hopes and ambitions of the people of Dublin.”
While it raised concerns over wildlife, the Bord said it did not accept its own inspectors’ recommendations to refuse permission over fears it would pose an unacceptable risk of flooding in the Clontarf area or that it would make the port too big.
Dublin Port Company was also ordered to pay more than €155,000 in costs to various parties including An Bord Pleanala, Dublin City Council, Dublin Bay Watch and Clontarf Residents Association.
Labour councillor Aodhan O Riordain said the ruling finally put to bed the decades-old controversy over the proposed infill of Dublin Bay.
“It is nonetheless gratifying that residents of Clontarf and Dubliners from further afield who enjoy the bay can have faith in the planning process that it can work in favour of the interests of ordinary residents and the ecological heritage of Dublin,” added Mr O Riordain.
Two years ago An Bord Pleanala also rejected an application by the Port of Cork to move its city operations to Ringaskiddy at a cost of €225m.
Dublin Port Company – which claimed throughout that the port’s output is at an all-time high and nearing capacity – wanted to develop additional facilities.
Its plan included access to deepwater berths, a yard, car park and queuing lanes for containers, goods vehicles and cars waiting to board cargo and passenger vessels, cranes, a two-storey terminal services building and an extension to the existing railway line.
The proposed scheme also involved dredging an area of 220,000 square metres.
During oral hearings the firm argued its Dublin Gateway project would be self-financed and result in a 50% increase in throughput with only a 10% increase in the port’s size.
It claimed it would employ 485 people during the three-year construction period, injecting €95m into the economy during construction, with 90 full-time positions on completion.
In addition 14 hectares of land at Bull Island would have been transferred to Dublin’s citizens.
A spokesman said: “Dublin Port Company today notes the decision of An Bord Pleanala not to grant permission for its Dublin Gateway project and is reviewing the decision in detail before making any comment.”
