Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to be devil's advocate now and go back to a point I raised earlier. I see the potential for significant conflict between the views of communities, elected members and the chief executive, or his or her nominee, of the county council because the legislation as proposed does not allow the council to "influence or seek to influence". Does that preclude a debate in a council chamber? The statutory body has a view but when it meets the corporate body it cannot raise the issue with it. That is problematic.

Mr. Gallagher mentioned a number of bodies that were approached with a view to taking on this role. It is my view that regardless of whether those bodies wished to take it on, if it is the view of the Minister that they should do so, then they should. I do not think any body, whether it is the EPA or another body, should have a choice in that. It should be the most independent, qualified and competent authority, in my view. Was An Bord Pleanála considered in this context? Could An Bord Pleanála be the authority? In that way, people who live in the area, as well as those who work in the airport, could engage with a democratic debate in the council chamber, with the manager not being pulled one way or the other.