Madam, – Olivia Kelly’s report about Indecon’s study concerning Dublin Port’s future (Home News, August 8th) makes disturbing reading. I agree with the statement of the report that the moving of the port from its present location is not justified at this time.
Indecon gives the expansion of Dublin port as the best economic option. However, it states that a close second option, from an economic point of view, is the retention of the present port and the development of a new port outside the city (as promoted by Treasury Holdings and the Drogheda Port Company at Bremore).
But when the economic costs involved with the environmental and social disadvantages of expanding the existing port are considered, Indecon’s second option quickly becomes the best option. The financial costs of dealing with the increased risk of flooding along Clontarf Road, at the East Wall and Ringsend and the effects of resulting traffic congestion would be huge. And that is not putting a price on the quality of life issues.
The Port Company has been trying to get permission for the infill of 52 acres of the inner Dublin bay for over 20 years. Thousands of people have objected.
People who are opposed to the destruction of the inner bay should attend an Bord Pleanála’s oral hearing which will take place in the Gresham Hotel on September 3rd at 10.30am. It is open to the public. – Yours, etc,