Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

Deputy Michael Creed made some interesting points about what we are trying to achieve. The sensible thing to do for the people in dealing with this potential pollution source - one of many but a minor one - would be to prevent it from happening. To do this, certain actions will require to be taken. However, because of the manner in which the Government is going about it, this will not happen.

As in most things when it comes to the European Union, we are doing this not because we give a damn about water quality but because the European Union will beat us with a big financial stick if we do not, which in itself is not a reason to do anything. One should do something because it is right to do it, not because one will be fined or beaten with a stick for not doing so. If the Government approached this issue from that point of view, it would have a greater chance of bringing people along with it. As I understand it, we are doing this because if we do not, we will be fined.

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