Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State did her best in coming here today but the Minister who is responsible needs to be here. Her failure to attend marks the disappointing and rather hopeless response to the Commencement matter. The Gearagh national nature reserve on the River Lee is a unique site of international importance both for its primaeval river forest and its wintering wildfowl. The Department can carry out all the bird surveys it likes but letting a gun club loose on the site is hardly the way to protect birds.

The ESB, the current owner of the Gearagh site, is flying in the face of EU laws providing for the protection and conservation of the Gearagh site as part of the Natura 2000 network. The Minister of State spoke about stakeholders but failed to mention the local community. I know every inch of the Gearagh. I know where Toons Bridge is, where the entrance is and where the islands are - these beautiful and amazing islands that are unique to Ireland - yet we are getting this very poor response, not from the Minister of State, but from the line Minister. While I am extremely disappointed, I am encouraged to pursue this matter further. I do not understand the hesitation to enforce the ESB's respect for the site and its obligations under the EU habitats directive. If the Minister and Government are to be true to their responsibilities at national and EU level, surely they will establish an effective management plan for the area. I would like the Minister to act with urgency and I hope she will look into this matter more seriously. I intend to follow through on this and make sure she gives it the attention it deserves and requires.