David Norris (Independent)

I ask the Leader to communicate the concern of many Members in this House about reports in today's The Irish Times that the Office of Environmental Enforcement has advised farmers in the Aghancon valley in County Offaly not to engage in drainage projects because of the dangers of residual trace elements coming from wood preservatives. Chromium and heavy metals, which are fairly virulent poisons are present and this issue has been created by the T & J Standish Sawmills development. The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking further information on the issue. It has also prosecuted this company in the past and I understand it secured a conviction. A fresh prosecution for breaches of the company's pollution control licence is in the pipeline. It was refused retention permission by An Bord Pleanála in 2003. Obviously, the company built the plant and then sought retrospective permission; the matter is going forward to a further appeal.

I have tried to raise this matter several times in the House. The first time was as an Adjournment matter, which was ruled out of order because no ministerial responsibility existed. Thereafter, the Minister was publically rebuked at European Union level and I was able to raise it despite the lack of ministerial responsibility. However, it was decided that the matter was sub judice. It is not satisfactory that the matter can be sub judice for several years while the company continues to develop. I visited the area a week or so ago. The company has expanded right down the valley without planning permission despite these prosecutions against it. Since the matter cannot be debated because of these rulings, perhaps the Leader will communicate the concerns of Members from all sides of the House.

I also ask for a debate on the proposed metro. I have asked for this several times because this is a moment when those elements within the Government who wish to proceed with the metro should be strengthened in their resolve to do so. This was brought home to me this morning while listening to the wireless as someone put figures on the record. Some 4,000 cars per hour make the journey from Dublin to the airport. In a couple of years, it is estimated that the figure will be 14,000 cars per hour. We cannot survive without a metro. It is important that this House, which initiated the debate on the metro, should support the Cabinet in taking a clear decision on this major infrastructural project.