Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I ask for a debate on rural planning, particularly the role of An Taisce. Over the past 20 years I have always been clear that I have no problem with An Taisce, which has an important function in protecting heritage and buildings. When it was set up in the 1980s it was never intended that An Taisce would have a role in objecting to rural once-off housing. I was contacted by a couple who received planning permission after three years negotiating with the local authority. Yesterday was the last day for objections and, lo and behold, An Taisce lobbed in an objection. That is grossly unfair. Having been with a local authority for nearly 20 years in the area I represent, my experience has been that planners were very sensitive to rural landscapes and scenic routes, etc. There should be a debate in this area and I ask that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government come to the House to debate the focus of An Taisce's efforts.

I have never attended a meeting in west Cork where An Taisce had a transparent and open annual general meeting. The body seems to lack transparency and it galls me to see somebody from Donegal or Mayo objecting to an issue in west Cork or vice versa.