Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Deputy Rabbitte mentioned the phenomenon of flushing money down the toilet. I want to raise a related issue dealing with sewage treatment, which in more ways than one is another example of flushing money down the toilet. At the opening of the Ringsend treatment plant, the Taoiseach covered himself in glory opening what he called a state-of-the-art facility. The fact it was based on old census figures, that it creates an almighty smell and that his Government has not carried out any official investigation, but uses money on a daily basis to try to patch up what was a botched job is a salient lesson.

This is particularly true for people who met last night in large numbers in Portrane in north County Dublin to hear about a surprise proposal to turn what was a perfectly acceptable plan for a sewage treatment plant suitable for a population of 65,000 into one which we are informed will cost €2.6 billion and will serve more than 1 million people. This has come out of the blue as another example of a project to suit "Mr. Big". Even from a technical perspective, whatever about the politics, a large treatment plant will be prone to odours because the effluent must travel such distances in air-free pipes and there will be a stinking mess by the time it arrives at the treatment plant. Can the Taoiseach take on board the clear scientific observations that have been made repeatedly by the community in Ringsend and by people who know about sewage treatment? Can he also take on board that this plan will hide the cowboy polluter? It will be more difficult to trace the source of whatever is being put down the toilet at a greater distance from the treatment plant.

In the interests of his own party in terms of the next election, I ask the Taoiseach to take Deputy Glennon's wishes into account. Speaking on radio today, the Deputy stated he found this proposal unacceptable and was going to bring it to the Taoiseach's attention. The Taoiseach should put Deputy Glennon out of his misery and state whether he agrees with him. Will the Taoiseach state it is wrong to go ahead with this proposal? Will the Taoiseach allow the county council to proceed with the original plant suitable for a population of 65,000? Ultimately, will he respect the wishes of the local councillors who will also reject it, or will he, as he has done previously, overturn the decision and throw out democracy? Will the Taoiseach respect the wishes of the local councillors?

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