Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response.

I strongly believe that action is now needed from this side of the Border to at the very least halt this application. The people and businesses in north County Louth are simply being ignored in this process. As I have already stated, the application totally ignores those along the south of the lough when they stated that the nearest residential area was over 400 m away, when in fact the nearest residence is in fact only 120 m away on the southern side of the lough. The fact that the proposed site is vulnerable to flooding and has flooded in recent years is also a major concern. The impact on local flora and fauna must also be examined.

At a meeting with residents last night it was pointed out to me that only 30 years ago there was no life in the lough as a result of raw sewage being pumped directly into it, yet today sea bass, salmon and trout are to be seen regularly. We must also take into account the value of people's homes along the lough, which no doubt will be affected by this proposal.

I am deeply concerned with this proposal and share the worries of the residents and businesses in the region. Tourism plays a vital role in the development of the region and this proposal will have a negative effect. I urge the Minister to contact the relevant authorities in the north and on behalf of the residents and businesses of north Louth and voice in the strongest possible terms their concerns in respect of this proposal.

As the Minister knows the Northern Ireland Assembly is not functioning at the moment. I met the chamber of commerce and many people in Northern Ireland and helped them to try and sort things out. The people of north Louth are pleading for help. For 40 years we had Sellafield. This is hazardous and toxic. The Minister has spent the last two and a half hours talking about the climate in the Republic. The Good Friday Agreement exists, and I for one would like to see a united Ireland. It is very important that the Minister and his counterpart would have a serious look at this area. There is a serious knock-on of this situation.

I am seeking commitment from the Minister that he will contact his counterpart in the North or someone in the North and please help the people of north Louth who have been seriously affected for the last 40 years by Sellafield.

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