Mark Duffy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for being here on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Foley, and for her detailed reply. While it is disappointing to hear the news here, at least it provides clarity and certainty for the project promoters and, indeed, staff and various stakeholders involved, many of whom have been in touch with me and are really passionate about ambitious and quality infrastructure to support Tusla and its needs.

The Minister of State mentioned that effective projects begin with a clearly identified service need and are underpinned by strong governance, robust planning and sound decision-making.That the planning went through all the process, detailed designs and construction drawings, then to make a U-turn on it, is not good enough by Tusla. There clearly has been a breakdown in appropriate governance there and proper planning. We should not waste people's time or, indeed, taxpayers' money. The waste there of taxpayers' money resides in the fact that resources are going to be spent elsewhere to offer a medium-term solution, while the longer term solution has gone through the procurement, planning and design stages. It is not for me to be the arbiter of what is or is not value for money. That is for Tusla and the Minister to consider. However, to go so far down the road and do a U-turn is very unsatisfactory for the developer and many who would like to have seen this project be realised. There need to be more questions asked and clarity given by Tusla on this particular project. I reiterate my thanks to the Minister of State for the clarity she has been able to shed on the project with the update on the progress made so far.