Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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As I am not a member of the committee, I cannot second the proposal of Deputy Michael Colreavy that the officials come to County Leitrim to see the situation on the ground. It is very important that they do because many decisions are made, including on bus routes, without talking to people and seeing what the situation is on the ground. One can do stuff on a desktop, but if one does not talk to people and see what the situation is on the ground, it is a waste of time. Can the departmental officials do as I ask? Deputy Michael Colreavy mentioned that we did not want another Rossport; we certainly do not. People need to be consulted and listened to. We do not need consultation involving the equivalent of an arrow being fired first and the target being drawn to it to make it look like there is consultation. If the people living in an area do not want something, it cannot happen. To what extent will the officials take into account the opinions of people living in an area? I have a vested interest in the matter because I live in Roscommon where groundwater accounts for some 70% of our drinking water. If it is contaminated, it is not as simple as decontaminating it. If ever caution was needed, it is in this case. We need energy, but we need water a lot more.

I am sure the officials are aware of the study issued by the European Parliament which specifically points to how one has to be careful in going down the road towards fracking in sensitive areas.

I am interested to hear the comments of the Department. I will conclude by saying it is very worrying and very disappointing that Tamboran Resources would not attend today's meeting. It does not inspire confidence, and confidence in Tamboran is not particularly high as it stands. I think they have done themselves more damage here.