Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

If there is a misunderstanding, I apologise, but no funding has been expended since the decision was made, although I am sure all sorts of funding was used before with regard to the IAA and when the choice was being made.

I think Deputy Clare Daly is being somewhat unfair in saying it is all very vague. A decision has been made. It is absolutely a final decision that Fingal County Council will be the competent authority and it has been given the go-ahead. An Bord Pleanála will be the appeals body. That decision has been made and it is irreversible. It has been approved by the Attorney General in this case and we are going ahead on that basis.

The Deputy asked why Fingal County Council was chosen. It already has responsibilities under the EU environmental noise directive, which encapsulates responsibilities relating to noise caused by conurbations and major transport infrastructure, including roads, railways and airports. In addition, having regard to its planning functions, it has considerable experience and expertise in the conduct of environmental impact assessments and appropriate experience in managing extensive public consultations. In addition-----

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