Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am concerned that the Minister's public consultation seems to be taking place after she has already decided upon two new SACs and 25 natural heritage areas. We need to engage properly with people who are affected and who value their turf-cutting rights.The sooner this is laid bare so people know where they stand, the better. People in these areas have a very heavy burden placed upon them. On another occasion, perhaps outside this forum, the Minister might deal with the issue of how designation under the habitats directive is affecting construction of roads and vital infrastructure, given that on the one hand, we are making national plans while on the other, An Bord Pleanála is telling us we cannot build because of the environmental sensitivity of the areas.