Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join others regarding the sympathies offered in recent weeks. The reference to Derry losing two sons in recent weeks is very true. The loss of the soccer player, a fantastic player, was an awful tragedy. We learned today about the death of Mr. Martin McGuinness. It has been an awful few days, to say the very least. Obviously, the loss of Rescue 116 in Mayo was an awful tragedy for Ireland. That has to be noted also.

Today I wish to raise the issue of the incinerator in Ringaskiddy. For the fourth time, An Bord Pleanála has refused to make a decision on the planning permission. The matter has dragged on for nearly 17 years. We are through our third application and the people at the lower harbour are waiting anxiously for a decision. To have postponed this decision again, for which we have been waiting, has been very disheartening for the public connected to the lower harbour. The 240,000 tonne toxic waste incinerator has been opposed religiously by the entire community over recent years. It has been a major issue and a major thorn in the side of the Cork community.We need to do something to ensure that An Bord Pleanála makes a decision as soon as possible. An oral hearing was held, which I attended, in July 2016 yet still we have not got the result from the board. I hope we can get this decision from An Bord Pleanála. To postpone it for a fourth time is totally inappropriate. We need to move forward and make a decision so that the people of the lower harbour, and County Cork, can get on with their lives.