John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a very serious matter that has far-reaching consequences for farm families right across Waterford, the south east and further afield, namely, the decision of An Taisce to further appeal a decision of the High Court in respect of a decision of Kilkenny County Council and An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for a €140 million continental cheese plant at the Port of Waterford, in Belview.I had hoped common sense would prevail on this matter and that the project could proceed without any further unnecessary delays. It is important to put this project into context. The plant is critical for market diversification post Brexit. The two-year delay thus far due to appeals to An Bord Pleanála and judicial reviews to the High Court has already resulted in supply restrictions being implemented on farmers from next year. It is bad news for farmers, bad news for rural communities, and it will hurt Ireland's reputation as a location for much needed foreign direct investment. We now have a farcical situation where an entity that receives significant State funding is prolonging a court action against another State-funded entity, with a company and farmers across the south east being stuck in the middle.

An Taisce claims in its statement that it is appealing in the public interest and that it is taking this recourse to promote human and ecosystem well-being and resilience for the benefit of the nation. In my experience Waterford farmers have always been willing to diversify and to change their practices. They have been exceptionally responsible in their role as custodians of the land. I believe this is an attack on rural Ireland. I am especially concerned about young farmers who have invested heavily in recent years on the back of this project.

It is never too late to do the right thing. I call on An Taisce to reconsider this course of action and to avoid any further unnecessary waste of resources that could be put to far better use. In its statement, Glanbia said it remains available to meet with An Taisce, and I certainly hope that through constructive dialogue we can come to a reasonable solution to this matter. We cannot have a situation where State entities are taking each other to court, with farm families stuck in the middle.