Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Ellis made some very important points there. I propose that if it is in order, we break for ten minutes to give people a chance to have a cup of tea. Thereafter, we will have replies and the elected members could get answers to the questions. I am trying to keep it positive and constructive so that if anybody wishes to come back who either has not spoken or would like to add something, we might get a constructive engagement out of it. The message here is very clear. As Chairman of the committee I was very pleased to see it on television because I am a supporter of the project but engaging with public representatives has not been top of the witnesses' agenda and by implication, they are not thinking enough about the community and what their real needs are. Deputy Ellis made the point that there are technological issues and whether it can be done from an engineering and technological perspective. Even if there is a cost overrun, if it left the community in peace and harmony that might be of the most benefit.