The long promised new Dublin Port National Development Plan Study by Indecon Consultants (unfortunately published by Minister Dempsey during the August holiday period) clearly does not justify proposals to reclaim 21 hectares of Dublin Bay. It is also deplorable that other significant Dublin Bay reports including the Environment Department’s Dublin Bay study have not been made available for the start of this week’s Oral Hearing at An Bord Pleanala.

The Indecon Report on the future of Dublin Port provides a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in Dublin port traffic, port capacity requirements and assessments of seven scenarios for the future development of Dublin Port. On behalf of the Labour Party I have consistently argued for the retention of a vibrant, dynamic port in Dublin given its huge economic spin-off for the region. But I have also steadfastly opposed the unnecessary reclamation of 21 hectares at the top of the Tolka Estuary. Unfortunately, the crass and inflexible terms of reference given to the Indecon Consultants implies that such an outcome doesn’t have the highest cost benefit for Dublin City and region.

The three main scenarios outlined in the report include options to relocate all or part of Dublin Port’s activities, continue with the existing activities at Dublin Port with opportunities for expansion in line with demand and continuation of port activities at current levels with no scope for expansion. The critical conclusion of the report is that "the closure of Dublin Port is not justified on economic grounds as the benefits of alternative land use is less than envisaged and…would not justify the costs involved."

But the other key finding of the Indecon Report is that Option 3 (B), the retention of Dublin Port with the development of Bremore and Greenore and without the unwarranted reclamation of the 21 hectares of Clontarf has the second highest Cost Benefit appraisal values. A major deficiency with the Indecon Study and its Cost Benefit Analysis is however its failure to factor in Climate Change impacts and likely values for the study’s conclusions.

Earlier this year I made a strong submission on behalf of my constituents to An Bord Pleanala opposing the 21 hectares reclamation plan on environmental, amenity and quality of life grounds and the inherent planning deficiencies of the proposal. In my submission I again called for the most efficient use of the existing 532 acres (215.431 hectares) of Dublin Port lands to provide for capacity out to 2030 and beyond and the abandonment of the reclamation plan. I intend to reiterate my opposition to this plan at the An Bord Pleanala Oral Hearing next week with my colleagues Cllrs. Cian O’Callaghan and Aodhan O’Riordain.