Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, for his comprehensive reply. I accept that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, is well-intentioned in all he is doing and is trying to protect the interests of the people of the county. Although there always has been a healthy tension between planners and councillors, which is as it always will be, the Minister's intervention adds a new dimension. County Mayo undoubtedly has a particularly dispersed population. It is a big county and the local Deputies and councillors are best placed to know what is the balance in this regard. Nevertheless, with the arrival in Leinster House shortly of a delegation from the county, an opportunity will arise to open dialogue that the Minister, Deputy Gormley, should accept. Certainly, this is a hot issue for the councillors in County Mayo and it has been picked up by councillors nationwide, who will face the electorate next year and who also must answer to the people. I hope some dialogue will get under way and I sincerely thank the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern.