Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

Today's meeting will be in two separate public sessions. The first session will be with representatives of the community and landowners. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the planning, delivery and impact of Ireland's active travel and greenway programme, a subject that inspires both enthusiasm and unease across the country. The committee recognises the potential of greenways as a positive national asset and the extent to which they support active travel, sustainable tourism, rural enterprise and healthier communities but it is also really important to acknowledge that the experience on the ground, particularly in rural and agricultural areas, has raised serious and genuine concerns. Those concerns are around consultation, compensation, the use of compulsory purchase orders and the effect on private property, livelihoods and trust between local communities and State bodies.

This morning, our task is to explore how we can achieve balance between national policy objectives and local realities and between public benefit and private rights, as well as the difference between progress and respect. I will call on the witnesses to make their opening statements in the following order: the Irish Farmers Association followed by the National Greenway Action Association and finally, the Déise Greenway group. On behalf of the committee, I am pleased to welcome from the Irish Farmers Association Mr. Paul O'Brien, regional chair and chair of the IFA infrastructure project team; and Ms Geraldine O'Sullivan, senior policy executive. On behalf of the National Greenway Action Association, the committee is delighted to welcome Ms. Cleona O'Shea, Mr. Morgan Lyne and Ms Lucy Fabby. Finally, from the Déise Greenway group, I welcome Mr. Garvan Cummins.

I will read a note on privilege for members and witnesses. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of that person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members partaking via MS Teams that prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite Mr. O'Brien to make his opening statement on behalf of the IFA. The standard time for opening statements is five minutes.