Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I cannot believe the Minister did not ask for an environmental impact statement on this occasion. In my constituency, a pedestrian zone proposed for College Green required an environmental impact statement. The site affected in Gweedore Bay, one of 45 locations where it was decided an environmental impact statement was not necessary, covers 99 acres and is the most sensitive and beautiful place in the world. County Donegal is the coolest county in the world and the airport at Carrickfinn, which was voted one of the most scenic airports in the world, is located directly beside Gweedore Bay.

It is an area of huge cultural importance in terms of the Irish language, fisheries and tourism. This is an incredibly sensitive site and a huge development. It beggars belief. I believe it will run counter to European regulations that an environmental impact statement, EIS, was not considered. Does the Minister have the scope to direct the appeals board that in this instance an EIS be carried out and to commence proper consultation on this matter. As I said, there was no consultation in this case because nobody saw the advertisement. This is not in line with the Taoiseach's statement today in regard to the need for proper community involvement.

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