Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I do not wish to be unduly critical of any Department or any aspect of the work of any Department. The decision that has been taken on the development mentioned by Senator Feighan warrants a debate in the House. It was suggested during the Second Stage debate on the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 that the legislation should relate to tourism amenities in certain regions, such as hotels and developments like that proposed for Lough Key Forest Park. The contribution of such amenities to the regions is of strategic national importance.

If bodies like Dúchas or parts of Departments decide that developments should not proceed because they will affect a certain type of snail or some aspect of the natural environment, so be it. However, they should have a responsibility to suggest what would work. It is time for people to acknowledge that the north west and the west are regions which need to be viable. I will be able to discuss this matter in more detail during the debate on the national development plan this afternoon. Such regions should be developed in the interests of the people who live there and not just as weekend destinations for city dwellers, who want to have Peig Sayers looking over a half-door with a pint of Guinness and a pipe.