The Dublin Port company says it will go ahead with a planning application to fill in part of the bay despite the announcement of a special protection order.
The Department of the Environment has confirmed that the area of Dublin Bay covered by the order will be increased by 30%.
Today local Green Party councillor Bronwen Maher welcomed the announcement by Minister for the Environment John Gormley saying the port extension is now in doubt.
The minister made the announcement following a finding by the EU Court of Justice that Ireland was failing to protect wildlife 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-track 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.
