O’Donovan welcomes progress on new foreshore laws

Added November 19th, 2013

Fine Gael TD for Limerick Patrick O’ Donovan, has welcomed the decision of the Government to refer the Maritime Area and Foreshore Bill to the Oireachtas Committee on Environment. Patrick O’Donovan raised the issue this week in the Dail with the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny who told Patrick O’Donovan that consultation would now take place under the new method of dealing with bills which the Government introduced as part of Dáil reform,

Patrick O’Donovan told the Dáil that the bill is of major importance to the future development of ports including the development of Foynes, which Minister Leo Varadkar has designated as the only strategic port on the west coast of Ireland.

Speaking after receiving the response from the Taoiseach, Patrick O’Donovan welcomed the decision to progress the bill. He said “The current method and legislative process of development in ports and along the shore line is antiquated and is in bad need of reform. We need to be able to deal with applications in a much more modern way that ensures that they will be dealt with within a time frame set out under law. There is no doubt in my mind but that the current system is deterring investment and the news from the Taoiseach which I received in the Dáil is a welcome first step.