Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I agree with the Deputy. I will bring his comments and those of the other Members to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Hogan. I suggest this will be a matter of priority for the Joint Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht. I will bring all their comments to the attention of the Department.

Each local authority has its own statutory responsibility. There will be an increasing focus on the professionalism across the board of different local authorities and how they deal effectively and comprehensively with this matter. If there are issues with other estates, as has been identified so clearly, as I said to Deputy Collins, I will ask the Department this evening to get an analysis for me on this matter and we will give it to Members of the Oireachtas as soon as it is available. I will ask for that as a matter of urgency.

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