Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is great to be back in the Chamber. I raise An Taisce's decision to appeal a significant proposal by Glanbia to a higher court last week. It is a really significant decision and something we need to start having a conscious debate about. The hard-working farming community and food industry are under enough pressure without having An Taisce taking this decision this morning. It is having a huge impact on the industry and the communities. The economic and social impacts of this decision could have long-term consequences for rural Ireland. Unfortunately, An Taisce pulled out of the agrifood strategy consultation phase. It should be the friend of the farming community but at the moment it is considered anything but. We need a debate on how we will work with An Taisce and how we progress this. The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage should be brought before the House.

The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) (Amendment) Act 2018 needs to be amended. It allowed for a fast-track legislative route for housing development and for economically sustained development. The dairy industry and the agricultural food industry should be a part of any such Bill. We amended it before for data centres. We should now look at amending it again to incorporate the food industry. It is one of the primary parts of our society which directly employs 10% of our economy. Vast parts of my area and Ireland generally need that protection in law now. We are not talking about fast-tracking laws but about making sure the agricultural industry can be protected.