Sean Barrett (Independent)

I would like the Leader to congratulate Dublin City Council on the decision it made last night. I particularly congratulate the residents of Clontarf on their success in preserving the amenities there. It is important to emphasise that politics does work from time to time. All three local Deputies, who represent different parties, supported the skilled campaign that was organised by the local residents. We had proposed to the Leader that the flood plain area north of the Bull Island causeway could be used to protect that amenity. The new terms of reference should involve looking at ways of developing water-based sports, for example, in that amenity. I would like the Leader to thank those involved and to express the support of the House for talking as part of the political process. I hope we have many more initiatives of this kind. That is why we admire the body politic so much.