Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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I thank Councillor Crossan for his comprehensive statement. We are a little behind the time and about two and half hours remain in this session. As we do not have all day, I propose, as usual, that members take two minutes in which to ask questions. Guests will be given latitude to answer and take as much time as they need, within reason. Is it agreed that we stick with the two minutes for now? Agreed. If we do have time, there will be a second and third round. If guests wish to contribute on any question, even though it may not have been directed at them, just raise a hand and I will bring them in. If guests are joining us online then please use the raise hand function and I will get to them. I ask members to please indicate their wish to contribute and the clerk will make a list.

I wish to ask the witnesses a broad question because I am sure that all of the members are interested in hearing their views. We, on this committee, all work very hard on this issue week in and week out. I pay tribute to my colleagues on the committee on their efforts. We have found that as we go outside of the committee room to the Oireachtas that generally there is broad consensus at a high level about what is needed. Sometimes I wonder if the penny has dropped about how hard the challenge is going to be that we are setting out on because we have found that generally, it has not been politicised at the Oireachtas level but we have evidence at local authority level that when the meaningful polices and actions start to be implemented, debated and processed that, in some cases, all hell breaks loose. These things can be politicised very easily and quickly, and ultimately the best intentions can falter. We saw that happen in Salthill with the proposed cycle lane and similarly with Strand Road. In Lucan recently, there has been a huge public reaction to the removal of a handful of parking spaces and councillors took sides. In every local authority around the country, when permeability issues are discussed one sees there is resistance and the same with parking, which is also a contentious issue. I seek the views of witnesses on how we can translate this high-level agreement and the urgent need for action to the local level. We must respect the fact that we live in a democracy and everybody is entitled to a view. There are processes and due diligence of course but as we are also in an emergency, we must see this ambition realised. I am very interested in hearing the views of representatives of both the CCMA and the AILG on how we can get the local authority system more on board. I mean the political side as well as the official side. I say that because it will be one our biggest challenges in implementing meaningful climate action. I first address my query to Mr. Mahon and please feel free to bring in colleagues.