Results 4,921-4,940 of 7,604 for speaker:James Bannon

Seanad: Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: This matter is related. A 12 km stretch of the M4 motorway has to be repaired and replaced. That work will necessitate the closing of lanes during the summer months.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: I am dealing with those amendments. In the interests of accommodating members of the public, whom we all represent, it would only be fair if the barriers could be lifted when the repair work is being carried out as otherwise the work will give rise to bottlenecks.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: It is a major infrastructural project that was delivered and the issue I outlined needs to be addressed.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: The Minister is wise to accept the amendment even though it only concerns one word. It is our environment, which we must protect and look after. I understand that a heritage and monuments Bill will come before the House. We have been waiting for such a Bill for a long time. It would protect much of our national monuments. We have heard that it is due but we have not received an update as to...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: These amendments tidy up and clarify the planning situation. The Minister referred to local authority and county development plans, but there are also regional plans for the eight regions, plans for Objective One and Objective Two regions and plans for areas and towns. I understand that they will all be consulted and their views will be taken on board. Perhaps the Minister could clarify this...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: I am sure everyone in this House and every right-minded citizen of this State will agree that we cannot erode the democratic participation of our citizens in any decision-making process, particularly when those decisions affect their future and that of their children. Can the Minister elaborate on the role of the Environmental Protection Agency? Will there be consultation with the EPA?...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: I agree the amendments bring greater clarity to the Bill. On the day in question the Minister agreed with me on a point and accepted my amendment. However, I think it was amendment No. 133, which is not included in this group.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: I agree the amendments improve the Bill for the purposes of interpretation and clarity. The people who draft Bills know better.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: On Committee Stage I spoke at length, as did other Members, on the issue of the involvement of local authority members. Many Members entered the House through the local authority system and served their apprenticeship on local authorities for many years. That is where one learns the nuts and bolts of how local government, and national and international government, works. I served as secretary...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: It is relevant to local authority members. Perhaps the Minister would consider putting in place a facility so that local authority members could bring in outside expertise and advice when preparing county development plans. It is a matter that needs to be addressed. As one who served on a local authority for nearly 19 years, I feel this is a major deficit faced by members of local authorities.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: On a point of order, I understand that the Minister has amended the Bill to delete an amendment I tabled that was accepted in the Seanad.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: On a point of order, the toll was increased by 30 cent a month after the motorway was opened.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: What about the hospital in Longford?

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: What about the casualty unit in Longford?

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: An important issue concerning——

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: I will not ignore the Chair but I raised an important issue——

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: The Leader did not comment on it.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: Sir——

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: I am very disappointed the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 is returning to the House today and I am also dismayed at the short amount of time that has been allocated to it. I am also very disappointed the Government has not published the report of the Barr tribunal on the death of John Carthy in Abbeylara, County Longford. The Government has been kicking this...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

James Bannon: We all know the motorway cost approximately €420 million and it will be a greater burden still on the taxpayer because of the negligence of the Government.