Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Clare Daly makes a very fair point. To deal specifically with items that are of relevance to this Bill, our transport spokesperson tabled an amendment on Committee Stage, which I moved on his behalf, to establish a separate unit within Fingal County Council. This amendment was debated on Committee Stage and was unfortunately voted down by five votes to two. Those who were there will know that. I received a note from the Department which I circulated to the forum on 8 February. I have the written note to hand. It effectively says that, taking all of this together, the proposed amendment undermines the coherence of the appointment of Fingal County Council as the competent authority and that, while it would have to consider the matter, it is unlikely that the Government could allow the Bill to proceed on that basis. That is it in black and white. I circulated that.

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