Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy knows, and as the previous Minister of State confirmed, the situation at the moment is that no decision on an application of this nature will be made in advance of the outcome of the EPA research. It is important to point out that there were many meetings during the summer. When I was in the Deputy's part of the world, which is quite close to the Border, I met some of those who have concerns. This is also an issue in Northern Ireland. It is important to mention that there is a Northern Ireland element to the EPA study, which will take at least two years. The Northern Ireland Department of the Environment and Queen's University are involved in it. My own opinion is that it is possible that the study will take longer than two years. It is important for us to be kept up to speed at each step of the research programme. I have asked my officials in the Department to ensure we do not close the door and let the EPA carry on with its study for a period of two years or more. We have to build an information-sharing exercise and a review option into this process. It is important to point out that this is a North-South study, in real terms. It affects places on the other side of the Border that are quite close to Deputy Colreavy's home area. There are concerns on both sides of the Border. It is important to reiterate that no decision will be made for at least two years until the study of this sector is completed.

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