Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to know what concrete actions the Minister is taking in his proposal to ensure independence. The regulation states:

Member States should ensure that such information is reliable, that it is obtained in a transparent manner and that it is accessible to competent authorities and stakeholders. Competent authorities should put in place the necessary monitoring tools.

What measures will be introduced to ensure openness and transparency for all stakeholders? When we compare Fingal County Council with the EPA and CAR, the two alternatives suggested, the former is subject to an appeals process under An Bord Pleanála and to judicial review. If stakeholders are not happy with a decision, they can appeal to An Bord Pleanála. Fingal County Council has a much broader mandate than either CAR or the EPA. It currently has powers under the Environmental Noise Regulations 2006. Those powers are not being utilised fully, and I want to know what will done to ensure they are fully utilised. What will be done to ensure Fingal County Council is adequately resourced and has the necessary competent staff to ensure the residents' concerns are taken on board and dealt with in an open and transparent manner?

When colleagues refer to CAR as if it a great body that will be able to do this, they fail to acknowledge that it only has 20 staff. Similar to Fingal County Council, it would have to recruit to beef up its competencies and capabilities to do this work.

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