Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I happen to live two miles from the site in question which is closer than any other Member, although Deputy Michael McGrath is pretty close to it too. I have been involved in discussions and debates around this issue for over ten years. I believe the decision made by An Bord Pleanála is the wrong one. I am not saying that for the first time. Anybody who wants to look at my views on this issue can check the detailed 40-minute presentation I made to the oral hearing on this issue. What is frustrating is that we won the argument. The inspector who was managing that oral hearing recommended a refusal.

We also need to respect the independence of An Bord Pleanála, however. It is an independent planning appeals body. I do not know the basis for its decision not to follow the recommendation of the inspector and of the oral hearings process. However, that is the decision it has made. I do not agree with it but it is a planning decision.

The main basis of my concern is that it was counter to the Government’s policy on the site concerned. The issue of incineration is a separate debate in terms of waste management and so forth. The site is the issue in this case. The State spent well over €15 million on the National Maritime College and €13 million on the Beaufort Research Laboratory across the road from the site. It has spent between €7 million and €10 million on Spike Island as a tourism project. The Government has committed €70 million to the reconditioning of Haulbowline Island, a large part of which will become a people's park. That was the basis of my objection to this site being chosen for this form of waste management and disposal. I am as disappointed and as frustrated as anybody to hear the outcome of An Bord Pleanála’s deliberations. However, I need to respect its independence. It is important all Members respect it as an independent agent of the State.

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