Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

Having regard to the importance of developing our natural resources to the optimum and the equal importance of ensuring we retain or regain some degree of independence in the provision of a vital resource such as gas, what lessons have been learned in regard to the planning, preparation and implementation of an operation such as this? Will the Minister indicate what plans he has to change the method of the administration of this proposal to ensure, in future, that any such proposal will be dealt with effectively, efficiently and in keeping with best practice and rules? We must not display to the world a lethargy or ineptitude in dealing with a major investment application such as this, involving the exploitation of what is a relatively clean fuel which will be hugely beneficial to the public and industry. Will the Minister agree that when a proposal like this arises in the future, he will guarantee that it is implemented when anticipated rather than five or seven years later?

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