The Party reiterated it's calls on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan to hold a public enquiry in to the application to grant a license to Providence Resources' to carry out a site survey and drill an exploration well in the Dalkey Island Block on the Kish Bank.
Party Spokesperson on Planning, Tom Kivlehan, said: "I was shocked by the premature pronouncements made by the Minister, Phil Hogan, on the Dalkey Island Block foreshore licence application. Submissions are still been sorted by his department which will go to different Government departments for comment, so a final report can be put together by his officials that will help him to make an informed decision. The Minister seems to have made up his mind on the need for a public enquiry without considering the public submissions and a final report. It is inappropriate for the minister to be making comment or taking decisions at this stage in the process. It shows a lack of respect for the public consultation process.
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"Under the Foreshore act 1933 Section 3(9) Whenever an application is made to the Minister for the grant of a licence under this section, the Minister may, if he thinks fit, hold a public inquiry in regard to the granting of such licence.
"At the same time, he has snubbed his cabinet colleague and Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore who has joined the call for a public enquiry. Eamon Gilmore has experience in this area, as he was Minister of State in the Dept of the Marine in the Rainbow Coalition 1994-1997. Phil Hogan would do well to take his advice. But, one has to ask does Labour have any influence at the cabinet table or does it just do as it's told. It is time for the Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore to stand up for his constituents and the environment that is cherished by the people of Dublin."
(CD/GK)
