Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Grealish. He has been raising this issue privately and publicly consistently with me over the past two years. He has raised a very valid concern for the 54 families in a very difficult position. I absolutely understand and see the argument in the case he is making on their behalf. This is a controversial project that has been long delayed like many other transport projects in the country. It is particularly sensitive with regard to habitat issues and climate issues. Three cases for judicial review have been taken. I understand these are due to a variety of interests, including local property interests and the climate issue regarding the particular project. It is not possible to take the course the Deputy suggests because the High Court has issued a stay against any such action by Galway City Council. By order of the court, it is not possible to progress with what we would presume would be a compulsory purchase order system. This is a High Court decision. We are all subject to these. It will have to work itself out. The process has to be allowed to take its course. In the interim, I encourage the local authority to engage with the householders so that subject to the issues being resolved they can act quickly. It is not a significant sum. For the householders, it is a hugely important issue. Their engagement with the council may at least shorten the process, depending on what the final outcome will be. We cannot ignore an order of the High Court. It would not be appropriate or right. We have to await the outcome of it.

The project still has to go through a business case to be prepared and presented to the Government. Our process for assessing projects is very long and drawn out. We would all agree it is in need of reform and shortening. The whole issue of planning concerns and consent needs to be reformed. The Attorney General is doing this. It is important we retain central to it protection for the environment and support the rights of those who want to do this and protection for the ability of people to develop and for the State to be able to act in introducing infrastructure. We have to get the balance right. Our current systems are not fit for purpose. Our planning laws are not working well. This is why the Attorney General is engaged in major reform. This will not help these particular householders out of the difficult position they are in. Anything we can do we will do but it has to be within the law.

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