Mr. Kieran Mulvey:

I am conscious of the specific terms of reference of my role. I have always been of the view that reality is different from a term of reference and sometimes we need to expand the walls, as it were. If another issue is of the same nature and impact, maybe some of the lessons that are being developed could simultaneously be informed to other communities. Terms of reference are not about establishing a barrier outside which one shall not go. I have been reading documentation from the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, which sees the issue of climate change as a nationwide, not just a regional, issue.

I will be talking at length to the ESB about its facilities in the midlands, some of which can be further utilised for the community. The ESB has top level offices, well-stocked facilities, car parks and the usual paraphernalia. It would be terrible to see those things go to rack and ruin without seeing whether there are chances to put incubation industries, call centres, delivery centres or whatever in their places. I have not had that discussion with the ESB but I will bring it up with its representatives.