Mr. Jack O'Sullivan:

The shoreline is primarily affected. The lake, itself, would not be significantly damaged by the nature of the development. It is not the kind of development that would have a large wastewater discharge into the lake. Nevertheless, by allowing an increase in the number of boats in that area we need to ask how those boats' toilets are being pumped out? What are the systems that maintain the water quality in that area? Increasing the number of boats gives rise to the possibility of oil pollution. The boats always seem to leak oil. Is all the toilet waste brought ashore? All these kinds of things should be dealt with at a point in time by means of environmental impact assessment and by appropriate assessment including a Natura impact statement if necessary before the thing got planning permission. That is where damage could take place. There has been definite damage to the shoreline, including loss of habitat, for example. Interfering with a special area of conservation is contrary to European law and brings Ireland into disrepute.