Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is surrounded by people who said one thing when they were seeking votes and who have done quite another since they entered office. One of those individuals was mentioned earlier. People do not trust the Government because they are aware of what has happened to individuals such as 65 year old Teresa Treacy who was jailed for contempt when she refused to obey an order to allow EirGrid and the ESB to carry out work on her land near Tullamore. She was seeking to protect the trees on her land. I am not stating people should act in contempt of court, but they are concerned that companies such as EirGrid and the ESB have no difficulty in riding roughshod over their rights. The Minister said it would display very little confidence in the planning system if these issues were decided on before being properly ventilated and considered. That is why I feel vindicated in tabling the motion. If the Minister had read its precise terms, he would be aware that as regards doing what he suggests - namely, returning to the bad old days when Ministers made arbitrary decisions - it certainly does not recommend that matters be referred to Ministers for arbitrary determination. It recommends that, unless it is physically impossible, there be a requirement that high voltage electricity transmission lines be placed underground. I did not engage in any scaremongering about health and acknowledge the fact that there are disputes in this regard.

I did so on the basis that I do not believe those who say one can only determine the costs by reference to the short-term costs of the alternative approaches. I have pointed out that this will damage land values and tourism and diminish the quality of rural and community life. It is short-term thinking of a kind we have seen far too often. The Minister may be correct to a point that EirGrid has held consultation days. Senator Bacik mentioned open days, but open days are no substitute for an open mind. People fear these sessions have been not so much consultation as an expensive public relations exercise. There is a hell of a difference. The EirGrid project as it stands is ill-conceived and it will be damaging to rural communities.

While the Minister is correct to defend the ability of Mr. O'Connor, it is legitimate to say that we do not have a problem with the probity of an individual but take issue with the appropriateness of making an appointment in that regard. People have a troubling sense that EirGrid's chief aim is to force through controversial planning proposals, which suggests there will be determination bordering on ruthlessness rather than consultation. That is why people are massing in their thousands in our communities. I spoke at a recent meeting in Trim attended by more than 1,000 people, who were disgusted at the way they were given a completely different message once the parties who had made certain promises were elected to Government. That is why people do not trust the authorities, big organisations or politics in this country. They have legitimate grounds for concern and, much as I respect the Minister's mastery of his brief, I do not think he has done enough to allay those concerns.