Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The other side of that question is, how do you ensure it is representative? I have been to public meetings before which were attended by residents of an area about something like trying to build a pedestrian permeability link to estates for easier access and walking to school, etc. The general tone in the room is, we do not want this, absolutely no way. That would be the general tone in the room. When I speak to individuals in that area and tell them they will be able to walk to the shops, their children can play with the children from the estate and there is easy access through, they say they are in favour of it but generally most people are against it, so they did not want to say it. We have to make sure there is a balance if a submission goes in on behalf of a residents' association. I do not think it is reasonable to get everybody's name, it is impractical. How do you ensure it is representative, however? As was said, if you turn up at somebody's door with a petition, they will sign it, mostly to get rid of you, and not even read it. It is important to consider that carefully and ensure there is the right balance in the public participation aspect.