Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

One must therefore attempt to reach a solution in which people are adequately and perhaps generously compensated when they are inconvenienced and discomfited in the national interest. We cannot close the airport. That would be absolutely crazy.

As we come to the end of the debate, it is particularly notable that in the provision under discussion, we have a good example of compromise which has worked very well. I see no shame in it. I congratulate Fianna Fáil and Deputy Clare Daly. I congratulate Deputies Broughan, Ellis, Brendan Ryan and Coppinger for their contributions also. They have gained concessions and changes in the Bill and that is the way it should have operated. At this point, it is time to acknowledge that some of the battles are over. The battle over the independence of Fingal County Council is decided, albeit the matter may go elsewhere. If it does, it does. I thank the Deputies in any event for their co-operation and willingness to compromise. I am sorry that there were concessions we could not make which Deputies would have liked because we did not consider them to be in the national interest. Nevertheless, we will end up with a very fair Bill which has been improved by the contributions of everyone in the House.

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