Until recently there was no overall co-ordination between the many authorities, State agencies and organisations whose remit included the Dublin Bay area. As such, it was difficult to monitor the development of Dublin Bay to ascertain if it was being developed to its full potential as both an asset of and amenity for the people of Dublin and visitors to the Capital. Local authorities, whose lands are contiguous to the Bay, were attempting to improve and develop delapotated sites, yet the architects and developers, who were in charge of these projects, were not fully aware of the problem to be solved as no public consultation had been sought. In addition, concerns about the Bay's unique environment had not been adequately taken into account.

In 2007 the Dublin Bay Bill was passed,
an act to make provisions for the management, enhancement, proper planning, and protection of Dublin Bay and so the Dublin Bay Authority (DBA) was founded. The DBA aims to promote an integrated approach to development that involves all relevant stakeholders and takes a long-term view of the bay area. The Bay Authority attempts to balance the needs of development with protection of the very resources that sustain coastal economies. It also takes into account the public's concern about the deteriorating environmental, socio-economic and cultural state of Dublin Bay.