Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

It requires planning but it also requires a political commitment, which can be made prior to planning in the context of whether the Minister is committed to this project. I am concerned that this project has been allowed to drift. It is at the planning stage. The Minister could state that if its gets planning approval, it will be built immediately, but that commitment has not been made and we are still waiting for clarity on that. The planners should be let do their job but if the project is granted planning permission, will the building of it commence immediately? Many people are concerned that there is not a strong political commitment to this project.

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion. Every area of the country has been touched by what is proposed. I would like to speak on this matter again in time to come but I want to allow my colleague to contribute.

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