Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

We cannot support the proposal. With the Dáil due to go into summer recess on Thursday, the Government is seeking to ram through with minimum debate its most obnoxious legislative proposals. This is clearly one of them when one considers what is intended by this Bill. It is not only about incinerators but about incinerating local democracy further. When the legislation is passed, we will see the advent of a network of incinerators around the country and other developments where communities, local authorities and other bodies will be denied the opportunity to properly engage on their suitability. The constraint on time and opportunity to properly debate the legislation makes it an impossible proposal and, therefore, on behalf of Sinn Féin Deputies, I oppose it. I urge the Taoiseach to remove the guillotine and provide further time.

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