Dublin Port Company goes ahead with plan to expand Dublin Port

Dublin Port Company says it will go ahead with a planning application to fill in a section of Dublin Bay in a massive port expansion project, despite the announcement of special protection order.

The Department of the Environment have confirmed that the area of Dublin Bay covered by the order will be increased by 30%.

It is understood that the bay area earmarked for port expansion will be be covered by the order.

Minister for the Environment John Gormley announced the protection order following a finding by the EU Court of Justice that Ireland was failing to protect wild life habitat in Dublin Bay.

But today a spokesman for the Dublin Port Company said a planning application to An Bord Pleanála will be going ahead.

He said this proposal will take environmental concerns into account.

Dublin Port has already been given the go-ahead to fast tract its application directly to An Bord Pleanála as a case of strategic infrastructure.

A full application for planning permission for the infill is due to be presented this summer.