Results 4,521-4,540 of 10,977 for speaker:Timmy Dooley

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EirGrid: Discussion with Chairman Designate (3 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: I welcome Mr. O’Connor and thank him for his presentation. There is little doubt that he is a highly qualified professional. He has a considerable track record in public service. As he worked in the planning division of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, he was an obvious choice to be appointed to the independent role in An Bord Pleanála. I am...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EirGrid: Discussion with Chairman Designate (3 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: Did he outline why he thought Mr. O'Connor was a suitable candidate?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EirGrid: Discussion with Chairman Designate (3 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: At any point in that conversation did he mention Mr. O'Connor's experience as chairman of An Bord Pleanála?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EirGrid: Discussion with Chairman Designate (3 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: Mr. O'Connor is taking up the position at a very critical time, if it is ratified. He mentioned his definition of the conflict of interest but community groups are concerned about the perception that his unique knowledge and insight into the planning process, gained during his time in An Bord Pleanála, will impact on their ability to act in a balanced way against EirGrid in many of the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EirGrid: Discussion with Chairman Designate (3 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: I will clarify that, lest my remarks be misinterpreted in any way. I am not questioning either Mr. O'Connor's integrity or the integrity of An Bord Pleanála. I am concerned about the unique knowledge Mr. O'Connor gained as chairman of An Bord Pleanála and the ability for that to be used in the context of the preparation of planning applications that will ultimately be submitted by...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EirGrid: Discussion with Chairman Designate (3 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: That is not the question. Mr. O'Connor is playing with words.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EirGrid: Discussion with Chairman Designate (3 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: With respect, Mr. O'Connor was the chairman of An Bord Pleanála for 11 years and, as I acknowledged, he is a highly skilled, professional individual. However, a final point must be made. Mr. O'Connor said he has unique regard for the protection of our heritage and the environment. The fact is that, as chairman of EirGrid, under company law Mr. O'Connor's fiduciary duty is to the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EirGrid: Discussion with Chairman Designate (3 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: To clarify-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EirGrid: Discussion with Chairman Designate (3 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: -----I am certainly the last person to suggest that there would be anything underhand. However, given the fact that he has unique insight into and knowledge of the operation of An Bord Pleanála, if Mr. O'Connor, in pursuing his duties, involves himself in any way in the planning process of EirGrid - not just the preparation of a planning application or appearing at a public hearing but...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EirGrid: Discussion with Chairman Designate (3 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: Therein lies the problem. In my view there is a mismatch with the skills set of Mr. O'Connor. Undeniably, he is highly qualified and professional, and I am not casting any aspersion on him as an individual, but there is a mismatch between his suitability and the role in EirGrid. For that reason, we will not be in a position, unfortunately, to support his appointment. I do not say that...

Leaders' Questions (4 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: Sinn Féin has learned nothing.

Leaders' Questions (4 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: A lot of water has flowed under the bridge between then and now, and a lot of bodies.

Leaders' Questions (4 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: Democratically elected.

Leaders' Questions (4 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: There are - the McConvilles.

Electricity Infrastructure: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate and compliment Deputy Michael Moynihan on giving us all, including the Minister, an opportunity to address this issue. As the Minister will be aware from his backbenchers and communities around the country, there is very real concern and fear. Some of the fear is unfounded and not backed up scientifically. The one certainty is that the...

Electricity Infrastructure: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: Let me clarify this further.

Electricity Infrastructure: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: I am being careful.

Electricity Infrastructure: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: I accept that. However, what I am saying is that an individual who has a unique insight creates a perception of an unfair advantage for EirGrid.

Electricity Infrastructure: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: I do not think that is acceptable, nor do most of the committee members. People in the Minister's party and Fine Gael raised similar issues. Some took a particular view in regard to his NIMBYism about whether a pylon close to a home would impact on him. I will not get into that because it is a sideline issue. Next week, the committee will vote on a motion I have put before it calling on...

Electricity Infrastructure: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Dec 2013)

Timmy Dooley: I hope the Minister will be able to clarify this for me this evening. I had an opportunity to question the chief executive of EirGrid at the committee today on the issue of undergrounding and the associated costs.