DAIL REPORT: One person had led planning objections to developments in some 12 ports, with costs of up to €127 million in legal fees, charges and delays in work, Labour's marine spokesman, Mr Michael Bell, has claimed.
A group of people, led by one individual, had "initiated some 12 appeals against port companies all over the country". The objections, made under the EU's habitats and wildlife directives, were causing major problems for development projects by port companies.
The appeals were costing "between £50 million and £100 million in extra legal fees, charges and delays for work" in those 12 port areas.
The Minister, Mr Fahey, said port companies had to ensure their development projects had "full regard to compliance with all relevant EU directives".
