Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Notwithstanding the disappointment in my region for the Garryhinch project not being the preferred route, and the consequent loss of benefits for the midlands region, let alone Dublin, during the course of the planning application to the board there is a responsibility on local authorities to ensure that all potential benefits of a project are considered. Peat extraction is nearing an end, and the Garryhinch option would have offered an alternative, beneficial use for the site. I acknowledge what has been said about the benefit to the ecosystem and wider environmental surroundings of Lough Derg from the Parteen basin alternative. I am sure there is merit in that, but these are questions that will ultimately be decided on by the board in arriving at their final decision. In the event of not granting I am sure they would make recommendations and conditions associated with other options that had been considered.

I think Deputy Ó Broin is receiving representations from many of my own constituents who have questions relating to the Kennedy report. I am aware that the witnesses are meeting with those associated with that report in the coming weeks. I would ask them to provide the members of this committee, and members of the local authorities, with a synopsis of that meeting, details of the points raised by the Kennedy report, the response and the conclusions.

In the event of a citizen not being happy even at that stage, what is their recourse to challenge the decision on a preferred route? Is it solely open to them to submit their objections to the planning application when it is made to An Bord Pleanála? Is it only a judicial review that can halt the process at present? That needs to be clarified for people who may still have a difficulty with the route and its selection, and wish to challenge that in the future.