Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have taken a personal interest in the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill. I have been working with the Minister concerned and the Attorney General to get that complex legislation, which has been around for a bit, published and on the Statute Book because it is central to realising the economic potential of our seas and so forth. The Deputy is correct that the State will prioritise because the legislation is also key to offshore development. We regard offshore wind as a key factor in the future economic development of our country and also in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The Deputy is correct regarding waste infrastructure. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform prioritised water infrastructure in both the July stimulus package and the budget and will continue to do so.

This is because it is very important infrastructure for economic development and in terms of environmental protection and quality of water.

See this speech in context