Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his very detailed response. As somebody with an interest in the environment who once wrote a thesis on intergenerational equity and the environment, I totally understand the environment considerations in respect of this project. However, there is a bit of a trade-off going on between the environment and the human right to safety for the people living along the river and the stream. Far be it from us, as politicians, to intervene in the planning process. When that was done in the past, we had two planning tribunals, so I will totally respect whatever decision An Bord Pleanála makes. However, if there is a positive response with regard to the families that are living along the Aggard stream and the Dunkellin river, I hope the Department and Galway County Council will act as expeditiously as possible and put in place the flood relief measures that are so badly needed for this area.