Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. It has been said on many occasions that we acknowledge the very many millions of euro invested by the OPW to secure as much of the lands as it has done to date. The proposal to create a carpark in the meadow, which immediately adjoins the River Liffey, was off the wall and might not have been in compliance with planning laws. Thankfully, the proposal has been abandoned.

The proposal to allow general access up the avenue for all vehicles is not in keeping with the integrity of the building. The local action group, led by Kevin Mullin, has made it clear that all people who require access and can prove it will never be obstructed. I do not know the developer but I have seen enough and read enough in this letter, which has come into my possession, to say that this matter warrants exploration with the developer and that we should reopen negotiations with the developer forthwith, which I hope will happen. The developer has said that he is willing to sell at market value and it behoves us all to ensure this happens.