Government sources have pointedly refused to deny reports that the Taoiseach has given a commitment to Independent TD Finian McGrath that Dublin Port will not be expanded through a reclamation project.
A Government spokesman refused to confirm or deny that a deal had been struck on the issue during the Taoiseach's negotiations with Mr McGrath.
However, he added: "The Taoiseach is aware that this is an important issue for Deputy McGrath and his constituents."
The spokesman pointed to the reference in the programme for government to Dublin Bay.
It said: "We will establish a Dublin Bay area task force to maximise the potential of the bay for the people of our capital city. We will consider legislation, if necessary, to implement the recommendations of this taskforce."
The Dublin Port Company has proposed to expand its operations through the reclamation of 52 acres of the bay to increase the availability of docking space.
The Sunday Timesreported Mr McGrath as saying that he had a commitment in writing from the Taoiseach that the plan would not go ahead.
"I can confirm this is in the agreement I reached with Bertie Ahern to support his Government," he was quoted as saying. "That there would be no infill was one of the main things I looked for."
Mr McGrath could not be contacted yesterday.
Minister for Transport and Marine Noel Dempsey told the Dáil 10 days ago that Dublin City Council was carrying out a report on Dublin Bay and that when it was completed the Government would undertake a study on the role of the port.
"It is a strategic port and of national importance. It is nearing its capacity and we must examine ways and means of either expanding that capacity or operating in a different manner.
"We cannot do that in isolation from a range of considerations in regard to Dublin Bay, urban regeneration and various plans on which a variety of groups, including Dublin City Council, the Rail Procurement Agency, the National Roads Authority and various other bodies would have to be consulted."
Mr Dempsey said current policy was that Dublin remained the premier port and there was an urgent need to examine its future and how it might be developed.
