Seanad debates

Wednesday, 24 October 2018

Commencement Matters

Illegal Dumping

10:30 am

Photo of Victor BoyhanVictor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that comprehensive report but it in itself tells us how serious this matter is. He acknowledges it has gone on for 20 years. What I ask today is that we get closure to it eventually. It is very substantial. I acknowledge money is being given for it, but more substantial moneys are required to remediate these sites. I mentioned one particular site with which I am very familiar. We have a problem here that really needs to be resolved.

I acknowledge the comprehensive report the Minister of State has given. Community activists are now leading the charge. Some councillors are effectively outside the loop and do not even know what is happening. They are constantly told the same words that are in the Minister of State's report: "As this matter is subject to ongoing investigations, it would not be appropriate for Donegal County Council executives to comment at this point in time." That is the standard old catchphrase that councillors up there receive all the time. It is not good enough. I ask the Minister of State to bring the matter back to the relevant person in the Department who is responsible and tell him or her that the Department has a responsibility. The councils have a right to be informed of what is going on in their communities so they in turn can inform the communities they represent. I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response.

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