Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know I am throwing a lot at the Minister of State this morning on this specific case. It is a huge problem if we cannot deliver essential sporting facilities for local children. An all-weather pitch should be a basic for a local sports club in facilitating so many people and actively encouraging well-being and health. It is a place where friendships and communities are created. They need an all-weather pitch. We are aware of the issues around the Brent goose and being sensitive to them but this is an issue that I feel has not had the necessary response. Where is the joined-up thinking? It should not be the case that a letter arrives in at the eleventh hour from the Minister of State's Department and that this is all in peril. We need to look at the bigger picture here. How do we ensure that we are able to protect the Brent geese but also protect our children's childhood and their ability to play in their local park for their local club?