Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

What adds to the shock in this scenario is the fact that we actually highlighted to the Department the potential conflict of interest and the fact that some of the decisions that were being taken in Europe might lead to the IAA not being the best choice We are obviously very happy that primary legislation will be the vehicle to deliver these changes but it will be of huge concern to the airport communities that the Department has not, as yet, pinpointed an alternative competent authority.

Last week two Garda cars arrived at the homes of Traveller families living on DAA lands with an eviction notice for this week, telling them to get off that land. There is no alternative accommodation identified for these people as of yet. The runway development is gathering apace and the lives of the surrounding communities are being massively impacted but we do not have in place any legislative structure for a competent authority to benefit those communities. It is incredibly worrying. The Minister very kindly offered to meet those Traveller families previously but at the time I said it was not necessary. However, given the length of time that has passed and the very precarious position they are now in, I would ask him to meet them. It is quite urgent now.

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