DÁIL ÉIREANN

Sitting Time - 10:50
Sitting Date - 13/10/2011

LEADERS’ QUESTIONS

Deputy Finian McGrath: Next Sunday, at 3 p.m., thousands of people will meet at the wooden bridge in Clontarf to protest about the proposed construction of an eight foot high barrier on the seafront.  This protest is being organised by Councillor Damian O'Farrell and a number of local residents.  I raise this because Dublin Bay is important to the environment, tourism and economy of the city.

Is the Minister aware that many people have fought hard for several years to protect and preserve Dublin Bay, particularly the 52 acres, as it is a huge amenity for Clontarf on the north side of Dublin and for the people of Dublin city and county?  Thousands of people walk, cycle and jog around this beautiful amenity.  Now there is a proposal to ruin it.

I ask the Minister to intervene on this matter.  Is he aware of the proposal to build a structure up to eight feet high along the promenade?  Does he agree that this could destroy a beautiful scenic amenity and will he ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan to support the residents of Clontarf?  Will the Minister urge Dublin City Council, the Minister, Deputy Hogan and the Office of Public Works to consult with local residents and come up with a common-sense plan that prevents flooding but does not destroy a beautiful scenic amenity?

Deputy Brendan Howlin: I share the Deputy's regard for the amenity of Dublin Bay.  It is one of the great amenities of the capital city and should  be available to citizens into the future.

I understand that Dublin City Council is engaging with all the local residents regarding the concerns they have raised, particularly about the height of the proposed flood defences.  A balance must be struck.  Areas that are prone to flooding must be protected, particularly if global warming is to mean a greater threat of flooding.

That balance must be struck.  In Enniscorthy, in my own constituency, there is great debate about flood defences which impact on amenity.  We need to get that balance right.  I understand that the consultations are ongoing.  I understand that the Office of Public Works is also involved in reviewing the proposed flood defence scheme to ensure that the proper balance is struck.

Deputy Finian McGrath: I thank the Minister for his response.  Most Deputies will agree that balance is key in finding a resolution that satisfies all sides of this issue.

The recent conference in Dublin Castle looked at tourism and ways of getting people to visit Ireland.  Is the Minister aware that the flood defence plan would have a significant economic, social and environmental impact on the Clontarf area and on the thousands of people who use it?  In 2014, for example, we will have celebrations to commemorate the Battle of Clontarf.

Does the Minister accept that the Aarhus convention was created to give citizens the right to a say in decision making that affects the environment?  Is this proposed plan in breach of that convention?  I ask the Minister to check that out.  I also ask the Minister to urge all those involved in this proposal to go back to the drawing board and come up with a sensible plan which deals with the issue so that the protection of the environment remains foremost, people are protected from floods and this wonderful amenity in Clontarf can be saved

Deputy Brendan Howlin: I am glad to hear of the plans to commemorate the Battle of Clontarf.  We need to have as many tourism initiatives as we can.  This was central to the discussions on tourism promotion at the recent economic forum.

Balance is the essence of the issue the Deputy raised.  If this issue had arisen last February or March, when there was extensive flooding in Dublin city, we might have had a different type of debate.  We need to ensure that proper flood protections are put in place with the least environmental impact on the residents involved.

I will pass on the Deputy's deep concerns to the Minister of State in my own Department who is in charge of the OPW and to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.