Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I acknowledge his opening statement, which was most informative. This is an issue that has been debated in the Chamber over the past few months. There was great fear of the deadline that is approaching at the end of the month. In my area of rural west Cork, the volume of interactions I have had with the public, including landowners, farmers and solicitors, on this issue has been amazing. One solicitor from Clonakilty told me a few weeks ago that it would take every solicitor and engineer in Ireland to go through every right of way in west Cork. The task is insurmountable. Considering the number of rights of way that needed to be brought in line with the 2009 Act, there was no way we had the personnel, the money or the practical ability to get it done. This amendment is, therefore, really important. It is far from an amendment; it is quite a significant Bill in its own right.

The timelines are very important. We must ensure this is in place by the end of the month. That is important for the general community. There has been great anxiety, particularly among the agricultural community, about this Bill and how it is going to impact it. I was in contact with our spokesperson, Senator Ward, on a continuous basis about when this Bill was coming before the House, because it is a real issue for the agricultural community. I have not experienced such a reaction towards any Bill from the agricultural community in the past few years. The issue of rights of way and the number of rights of way that are under dispute, not registered or unclear is amazing. It is a significant body of work. It became obvious that the timelines in the 2009 Act were not going to be met.

I support this Bill. Perhaps the Minister of State can clarify the timelines in respect of when he is proposing that the Bill will be passed through the House. Has he been talking to the Whips and the Chair to make sure that we meet the deadline? There is significant anxiety around the issue, to say the very least.