Joe O'Toole (Independent)

There is an article in yesterday and today's newspapers about the proposal to build a golf course on Bartragh Island off Ballina. I do not play golf and I wonder about people who spend a lot of time at it. On the other hand, it is a hugely important tourism attraction and one of the most eco-friendly pursuits. I am aware it is very important to protect the Kerry slug, the natterjack toad and other creatures. If there were damage to the environment, I would be very clear on my position. There is no hotel along the coast of north Mayo from Belmullet. Mayo has now lost the gas pipeline and has experienced a landslide. The golf course is proposed for an area a little further along the coast where the people seem to get no breaks. We could pick any acre of Ireland and find a good reason for not putting a shovel in the ground. We should take a compromise position on these issues; the truth is that if we were to take the extreme position, we would not even be cutting our lawns. I would like to hear the Government's view on the national plan and where it stands on this type of proposal which will damage the area.