Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for that point, which I take on board. I share the seriousness the Deputy places on this particular development and its overall impact in that part of the State and for the dairy sector in general. Given its importance I will not be drawn into speaking about it specifically because I do not want to prejudice any matter before the courts. Suffice to say, I believe that steps were taken - I say this wearing my hat of responsibility for research and development - and that funding was allocated in that regard to better place growth for the dairy sector and to meet the sustainability and climate challenges. I am very confident that agriculture and the dairy sector has a very positive story to tell in that regard and will stand up to any scrutiny, whether through a planning process or a judicial system. I am very confident it can do that and I would like that to be dealt with as quickly as possible. I understand the matter is before the courts next week.

I believe the dairy sector will meet head on any questions asked of it about its sustainability. Consider, for example, the increased innovation across the dairy sector. New market development is not so much about new market development in dairying, it is actually about growing existing potential within existing markets. Our dairy sector is in most markets already. We are in 140 countries on the dairy side. The beef and meat sector would be jealous of the access the dairy sector has. It is about growing the markets we have there. The sustainability piece that will be relevant to the case the Deputy has referred to is just as important for all of those new markets and for growing the markets we already have. Our dairy sector is telling a very robust story and we are continuously working with the sector to improve our output with regard to sustainability and to develop new technologies and innovation. Companies such as Glanbia and others are leading the way in that. I am very proud to be associated with that. I have no doubt that they and the dairy sector will stand up to any scrutiny put to it.

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