Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As Minister of State with responsibility for health and safety, I share the Deputy's concerns in this matter. That is why I have written to the Minister, Deputy Coveney, asking him to address the review of section 289 of the Planning and Development Act in an inclusive way which allows for input by my departmental officials and the HSA. We must work together to find a solution that addresses the concerns raised by the Deputy.

As the Deputy will be aware, the operator has to get a certificate every year and there are nominated engineering staff who provide that through the local authority.

There is a gap and it will be addressed. I am treating it as an urgent matter. I assure the Deputy it will be dealt with. I will keep the Deputy and the House updated on recent accidents. As the Deputy states, there are many funfairs, events and festivals all over the place. Accidents can happen and we need to deal with it.

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