John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As I said, a stage 2a submission has recently been received, albeit I am not sure on what date. In any event, it is pretty new. The design team will make a presentation to the Department. I acknowledge that the Senator submitted a Commencement matter on 5 February 2019, which was not selected. The Department tells me that after the meeting today the submission will be assessed and I believe the Department will be in a position to authorise the board of management to proceed with the new planning application in a short time. I acknowledge the length of time this has taken to date and the board of management's consideration of a new application and change of site. The Department has been very efficient in moving project stages forward at all times and is determined to get the project up and running as soon as possible. Following today's meeting, I think we will see progress within a number of weeks. I will go back to the Department immediately and ensure the Senator is informed of what happens at today's meeting and how matters are developing.