John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senators Dardis and Ó Murchú regarding An Taisce. A prevailing attitude among members of that organisation and other people in Dublin is that we in the countryside live in some type of zoo and that they would like to preserve our quaint mannerisms and activities. Speaking as a rural person, it is important that people continue living in rural Ireland if it is to develop. We need proper planning.

Media reports on An Taisce's objection to Mr. O'Toole's planning application may bring to people's attention the difficulties imposed by An Taisce on others with genuine ties to the rural areas in which they live and who usually want to build modest extensions or developments.