Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply although I must say it is worrying because there are several major faux pastherein. The Minister of State said that the "preferred route" is mapped out but Victor Cooney, on behalf of the NRA, has said that it is just a "proposed route" and that the authority is open to other options.
The Minister of State made one point which gives me a little hope. He said that it is in the State's interests to use public lands where possible and I agree with that. In that context, I would urge the use of the old N6 road from Athlone to Galway, utilising our beautiful coastline. If we want tourists to see beauty, we should bring them around by the coast, along the sea front by Maree and Clarinbridge and not have them cutting across farmers' lands. I mean no disrespect when I say that the reply from the Department suggests that the Minister does not understand rural Ireland and the issues of concern there. I am probably correct in saying that because we know the Minister is not from rural Ireland. However, the Minister of State is from rural Ireland and I ask him to convey to the Minister the importance of not implementing CPOs in this case. We will have another war on our hands if he does so. We do not need another war to add to the wars over water and everything else. Let us provide access to rural Ireland in a way that ensures locals will welcome tourists.