Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept what the Minister said about the need for Meath County Council to engage in pre-planning consultation with An Bord Pleanála. That is welcome. However, the Minister and the NRA should take the lead to encourage Meath County Council to do that. If the project is included in the capital programme the council will have to do it and everything will have to be done to make sure the project comes to fruition. While there is a clear and important role for Meath County Council and the NRA in the matter, the Government's capital plan is crucial.