Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I take it that you are protecting me from the hecklers, Sir.

An Bord Pleanála carried out the longest public hearings in the history of the State concerning the M3 scheme and an environmental impact statement outlined the procedures that will be in place to protect historic sites. One must ask, however, why protest groups are unable to respect the integrity of the local authority, An Bord Pleanála, and the National Roads Authority. They should work with them to monitor the work in progress.

I am not a fan of the National Roads Authority and have often been critical of it. I wish the NRA would accelerate the road building programme I am seeking in Tallaght. I will continue to press for that, I hope with the support of my colleagues. Perhaps Deputy Durkan could have a chat with what is left of the Fine Gael organisation in Tallaght, so they might support me in that regard.

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