Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refer to a topic I have raised previously. Senator Murphy will be familiar with it as well. It is about community groups having to come together to challenge local authorities when it comes to inappropriate planning and locations of transfer stations on sites that force hundreds of trucks through the middle of a town. This is a significant issue for us. I bring it to the House's attention because there is a town that is very united.We are bringing together business groups, clubs and community groups. We have doctors and radiologists who will give a presentation at a public meeting next Wednesday. It is really about highlighting the inappropriate location for this particular development and its impact on the health, safety and future of the town itself.

It is crucial we pay attention to this because, only recently, we had a debate on biodiversity and the loss of habitats. This particular development is in a low-lying floodplain in the River Suck Callows. We have had debates about the loss of habitats and how we are not protecting them. We know there are EU charges against local authorities about the lack of consideration of environmental impacts. All of this is crucial and it is important. Towns and villages should be important to us and we should fight for them. It is difficult when community groups are left to fight this themselves.