Seanad debates

Tuesday, 9 April 2019

Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed)

 

2:30 pm

Photo of Alice-Mary HigginsAlice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I have gone past it on the Sky Road as well. Nobody is suggesting that we do not have roads in Connemara or that we do not have surfaces on roads.

I will pick up on points that have been mentioned. I refer to claims that this amendment would add something to the Bill. It would not. It is subtracting from the Bill. The crucial issue is that what it proposes would be inserted after the phrase "notwithstanding section 18(3)". Section 18 sets out the rules by which a bog is designated. The purported purpose of this Bill is to set out the rules for designation and de-designation of natural heritage areas. The impact of what is proposed would be that the Bill would state that the Minister may, notwithstanding the reasons listed in section 18(3), namely, "environmental criteria, restoration potential and national, regional and local economic, social and cultural needs" de-designate on the basis of those reasons listed in the amendment, which does not contain any text in respect of the environment. With respect, Senator Hopkins, this is not about balance. This amendment would remove balance. It would literally remove the words "environmental criteria" from consideration in the context of a decision to de-designate in these circumstances. If this amendment was a supplement to section 18(3) rather than being a way to circumvent its provisions, I would have no problem supporting it. It would be the same if the amendment referred to national, regional and local community, economic, social and cultural needs. We could have a definition of "community" inserted after the phrase "national, regional and local". It is important to state that not accepting this amendment would not mean that it will be impossible to undertake projects relating to infrastructure or greenways. It means that when a decision is being made, it will be balanced against the environmental criteria.

An example would be the western rail corridor . That project was on the cards for a long time. Unfortunately, the Government removed it from our national development strategy, even though we had potential for co-funding from Europe. If we had a western rail corridor that went through the bogs, it would be possible to make the case that it has social, community and regional benefits and connects places in the area. It would also contribute to carbon reduction and, therefore, balance the environmental criteria. That project would probably be successful under the criteria already contained in section 18(3). The position relating to greenways is similar. It would certainly be possible to have infrastructure. It is necessary to ensure, however, that the case for it is made and that the same balance outlined in the Bill is maintained.

I do not like the way in which environmental criteria are defined. The Minister of State knows that and we will have a chance to debate the matter later. The important point, however, is that there was at least an acknowledgement of the environment. We are simply creating a loophole if we accept this amendment. Is a hotel with a golf course attached going to be considered a community benefit? Will the Minister of State or any of the proposers of the amendment guarantee that this will not lead to another set of hotels? We have seen the pressure on building and how the rules need to be relaxed even in the city of Dublin. What buildings were erected after those rules were changed, however? We have seen hotels. Community centres have been mentioned. I would love a strategy for community centres. I would support it and it would fulfil the criteria. The amendment before us would be wide open to misuse, however, and I will oppose it.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.