Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

I agree with Deputy Gilmore. I have never seen an environmental impact survey argue against a project. The items listed as critical infrastructure under the Seventh Schedule of the Bill include items of critical importance. Last week, An Bord Pleanála granted permission for an expansion of a water treatment plant and this needs to be implemented quickly. I remind the Minister of State that one must be careful of what one wishes for because it might come true. Will all items listed receive funding? It will be very difficult for the public to understand if a project defined as critical is fast tracked and is then on a list for funding. The planning process and the opportunity for people to interact is being jettisoned. A project might stand on a list for several years before it receives funding.

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