Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Both Deputies will appreciate that it is entirely impossible for me to pre-empt the outcome of a report. As I said in reply to the leader of the Fianna Fáil Party, I have commenced an investigation, rather than an inquiry, into the matter. The Deputies may rest assured that I will leave no stone unturned to establish the full facts in this regard but I will not prejudge the outcome of the report. It is in train.

It is important to say this is not designated land. It is an area where silt is usually dumped. It is a silt deposit area or, if one likes, an occasional ecosystem. It can create a temporary habitat but it is not a formal wetland. The Deputies mentioned facts so we should clarify that. I do not speak on behalf of South Dublin County Council but it should be afforded the opportunity to respond to my Department on the chronology of events and what transpired. If I am found wanting in terms of reassurance, I reiterate to the Deputies in a persuasive way that I will take this seriously.

My interest lies with protected species, of which an unspecified number, including frogs, newts, eels and bats, are alleged to have been buried by South Dublin County Council when its employees spread silt on this area. I stress that is an allegation and I must take it as such until I see it established as a fact. I will be checking that and we will be talking to all the people from South Dublin County Council who are relevant to this investigation and I will give the full report to the House when I have it to hand.

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