Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 8:

In page 4, line 31, after “land” to insert the following:

"which can be of major benefit to a community, enhancement of a community, sporting projects or facilities, golf courses, sports fields, greenways, community gain or strategic infrastructural projects,".

I spoke on this section on Second Stage, as did a number of Senators, and I welcomed that the Minister has included in the Bill section 4(18)(A)(5)(b), which states, "notwithstanding section 18(3), where he or she is satisfied that land should cease to be designated as a natural heritage area, make an order to amend or revoke the natural heritage area order which so designated the land."It did not go far enough so I tabled an amendment along with Senators Mulherin, O'Mahony and Ó Céidigh. The amendment reads:

In page 4, line 31, after “land” to insert the following: “which can be of major benefit to a community, enhancement of a community, sporting projects or facilities, golf courses, sports fields, greenways, community gain or strategic infrastructural projects,”.

The sports fields referred to could be those for Gaelic Athletic Association, GAA, games, soccer, rugby and also athletic tracks. In County Mayo, we have seen many objections to infrastructural projects and many other projects, which has held them up. I am sure the same is the case in counties Galway, Donegal, Kerry and many other places. It is not just because of natural heritage areas, NHAs. There are also other aspects involved. The delays, however, have cost taxpayers millions of euro. In the Ballina electoral area alone, millions of euro have been spent and nothing has been done because of objections. I am not saying any or all of those objections relate to natural heritage areas.

I have proposed this amendment because we should put many things aside for the benefit of the community. The Minister should have the power, as stated in section 18A(5)(b), to take an area out of an NHA if it is an enhancement of or benefit to the community, or a benefit to an infrastructure project such as a major road scheme. I am supported by Senators Mulherin, O'Mahony and Ó Céidigh. I have no doubt the Minister is well aware of how community projects and various other projects can be held up because part of a project is in an NHA. I ask the Minister to accept the amendment. It would enhance the Bill and greatly strengthen the hand of the Minister regarding issues such as this.