Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a matter of life and death, as the Senator said. The Department worked closely with the local community group in Annaghdown to resolve what was a difficult and complex issue. It required the reconciliation of the aspirations of the local community with the highly important and appropriate protection of the nationally important heritage site. I am sure the local community is justifiably proud of the national heritage site in the area. Officials of the Department have met the local community and will continue to do so. In the past there was no difficulty in the receipt of the appropriate legal consent. It will enable the assessment to take place of the suitability of the proposed new location of the burial ground. It is important that there be an ongoing process of interaction between the local community group, the local authority and local public representatives. Working closely together, the Department and the local community will arrive at a decision which will take appropriate account of the competing-----