Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for reaffirming what the Taoiseach said on the floor of the House yesterday on behalf of the Government that this will be acted upon. When I talk about other Departments and authorities responsibility, I am mindful of the professional commitment made as early as yesterday by the company. Its commitment to its community and excellence will be maintained. I am sure it will be done at a facility that is commensurate to the company and will be rebuilt as soon as is practicably possible. To that end I hope that the local authority will work hand in glove with the company to ensure that every pathway is cleared to ensure that happens efficiently and quickly according to the wishes of the Cleary family. To do that, they may have to go through a planning process. I had hoped the planning reform Bill this year might include something for families who find themselves in such a bind and that a pathway for planning might be more readily available than the one they have to travel. For example, this might meet with the disapproval of the likes of An Taisce, which has held up the Glanbia plant in Belview for the past five years. This are my thoughts, fears and concerns.

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