asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the up-to-date position regarding the application by Dungarvan Urban Council for permission to reclaim portion of the seashore at Strandside North, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, County Waterford.

Dungarvan Urban Council have applied to my Department for a licence under the Foreshore Act, 1933, to reclaim portion of the Colligan River estuary for amenity purposes. Following publication of the usual press notice about the proposal, I received a number of objections and these are at present being considered.

Is the Minister aware of the importance of this project and of the urgency of the application, and will he deal with it as quickly as possible?

The application was first made very many years ago. It was dropped and it has now come back again. The Deputy will appreciate that I must consider the objections raised before reaching a decision.

I agree, but they claim it is urgent and they would like an answer.

As soon as the necessary investigations are completed, I will make a decision.