Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

In reference to the comments about County Galway, it is only fair to say that the Department of the Environment and Local Governement has been very positive in helping our county, and indeed other counties. Environmental grants have been provided to tackle litter and the Department has had a role in the tidy towns competition. This should not be overlooked and it should be commended for the great work that has been done.

Senator Ulick Burke may not have heard about the green town award. A town near where I live, Mountbellew, is to be awarded this honour. It is not true to say the Department has been negative when, in fact, it has been very positive in regard to environmental issues.

Landfill proposals, by the private or public sector, have to go through the planning process and I am confident that this will happen in regard to Galway and the Connacht regional waste management plans.