Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will clarify that, lest my remarks be misinterpreted in any way. I am not questioning either Mr. O'Connor's integrity or the integrity of An Bord Pleanála. I am concerned about the unique knowledge Mr. O'Connor gained as chairman of An Bord Pleanála and the ability for that to be used in the context of the preparation of planning applications that will ultimately be submitted by EirGrid. There is a perception among community groups that they are working against not just the planning department of EirGrid in an effort to get balance and fairness, but also against a professional who has gained a unique insight into how decisions are taken. In my view, and in the view of most people, that puts EirGrid in a stronger and more dominant position than one might want it to have. How can we overcome this together? How can Mr. O'Connor assure us that he will absent himself, in all respects, from the preparation of all materials associated with the roll out of the grid, which is the most important issue on the platform at present?