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

It was based on the commentary of the court and so on that the council took its decision. We can get advice from officials here, there and everywhere, but when people are in the heat of the kitchen or courtroom and sense it might not be going in their direction, they take actions. We have to be cognisant of what we can legally do. I would argue anywhere that the protection of people's lives and homes should trump any other consideration. That is my view and I would be prepared to go into court and fight that.

I will talk to the Minister for the environment about whether we can give support to Roscommon County Council to ensure it has a robust position to advance. That may happen in the context of a new engineering solution because that could also face legal action.

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