Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

I again commend Deputy McLoughlin on the Bill. I also commend all the community organisations across north Leitrim, which is where the core of this came from. I also commend those from Leitrim's surrounding counties. I also see people from the other side of the Border, Fermanagh, here. This issue affects communities throughout the country. It is a good day for democracy that the Bill has gone through as it has gone through.

Many people raised larger issues relating to climate change and dealing with energy resources in the future. That is very big politics. Turning that around with all the vested interests involved will be a very big job, but one we must take on. The longest of journeys begins with the first step. We have taken not just a step, but many good strides forward today by getting the Bill through. There is a long journey to go and many things to be dealt with. We need to deal with the issue of offshore fracking and the future use of carbons in general.

As many have said, today we have had a huge victory for the communities that have worked so hard to make this happen. I commend Deputy McLoughlin and the team working with him. I also commend all Members of the House because this Bill would not have gone through but for all of us supporting it. Fair play to the people who proposed amendments to it. They put forward their point of view. Nobody is saying anyone is wrong here. It is not about being right or wrong; it is about what works. Today we have come up with a Bill that works, that will go through and that will succeed. I hope that success is the start of a series of successes in turning around how climate change is going on in this country. I commend the Bill and again thank Deputy McLoughlin.

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