Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is a wonder that the Minister did not blame the last Government for this as well but in fairness to him, he did not. As we are led in everything by Mrs. Merkel, I do not know why Ireland cannot adopt the technology that is in place in Europe and now is the preferred option in Europe for high-voltage cables. Why did the Minister allow consideration of overhead pylons when it already has been decided in Europe that the best technical option is to have such cables placed underground? In his reply, the Minister referred to engaging with people, with the forward planning processes and with local and regional development plans.

That is a load of claptrap because the Minister knows about this better than I do. I heard him speak about this when he was on the opposite side of the House three or four years ago when there was talk of going up to the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd's constituency with these lines. I knew what the views of the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, were at that time and I still know what they are but now this has all changed. The Minister and the Minister of State can laugh but that is the fact of the matter.

There is provision for protected views in the county development plan, on which I worked with the council officials, including protected views of Slievenamon, the Galtees and the Knockmealdown Mountains in Tipperary. Has the Minister costed the damage this would do to tourism? A Bord Fáilte survey showed that 24% of people asked said that these monstrosities would impact adversely on the region. Clearly, this energy will be of no benefit to the Irish economy as it will be exported. It is a case of big business and one of smash and grab. Like everything else, the Minister seems to be letting them do what they like; he is rubbing his hands and saying it all someone's else fault. He is the man in situto ensure that the people's views are listened to. Thousands are people are turning up to meetings and they want answers; they want fair play and consultation.

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