Dublin Port's decision to defer plans to infill 52 acres of Dublin Bay

Statement from Clontarf Residents' Association

Clontarf Residents’ Association has welcomed the announcement by Dublin Port that it has deferred its controversial plans to infill the 52 acres of Dublin Bay for at least 10 years.

Dublin Port launched its draft masterplan 2011-2040 which includes the proposed infill, but stated it would only be progressed through the planning process in the latter part of this period and would represent “the final imposition of the port” on the inner area of Dublin Bay.

The Association said it has fought a long and hard battle to retain Dublin Bay as a public amenity and not allow it become a commercial hub.

“We welcome today’s decision by Dublin Port. Their admission that they have tracts of underutilised land confirms one the key objections that we’ve put forward over the years.” said Chairperson, Deirdre Tobin.

She added that “Our view is that, based on current economic projections, there is sufficient capacity to allow the port function effectively for many more years. We will be ready to scrutinise any specific future plans put forward.”

She said this announcement was a victory for people power and acknowledged the united front by the CRA, Dublin Baywatch, environmentalists and the late Sean Dublin Bay Loftus in opposing the Port’s plan.

Clontarf Residents and Business Associations have a current fight on their hands in their opposition to Dublin City Council’s Flood Defence scheme.

The masterplan will be available for viewing from tomorrow (Thursday) at the Port Centre, on Alexandra Road, until December 2nd, or online at dublinport.ie/masterplan