Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy may have misunderstood me. Funding will be made available. There is not going to be a lack of funding to Fingal County Council for this. I have made it clear that while it is not yet clear what amount will be necessary, Fingal County Council will not be left short of funding because this is a matter of huge national importance for which we cannot afford to say there are no funds. To say there is no progress being made is unfair because progress is certainly being made.

To answer the question about stakeholders, the Deputy will be aware that the stakeholders will be met by the DAA, by the competent authority and by me. The Deputy will also be aware there has been no hesitation on anybody's part that I know of to meet the residents and to attempt to accommodate them. I have met several people from the area who Deputies have asked me to meet. I have done this on many occasions and, in fact, I have never refused to do this, as it is a matter of great concern that we should have balance, and the criteria being used by the new competent authority will involve a balanced approach. We must balance the national needs with the needs of the residents.

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