Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I hope the replies given are sufficient on the taking in charge of estates. The Deputy is right that local authorities have a responsibility and are accountable to the elected councillors. The Department will also monitor them.

Deputy Noel Coonan raised the issue of exemptions for utilities and mentioned, in particular, the ESB and the powers available to it. It has had them since 1926. Look at it in the round or at the bigger picture, it has had an excellent relationship with landowners and farmers, especially given the amount of development, including significant economic development, we have seen during the years. However, I acknowledge that there may be cases, as outlined by the Deputy, in which specific issues have arisen.