Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Dec 1991

Vol. 414 No. 9

Written Answers. - Environmental Management.

Donal Carey

Question:

119 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the proposals, if any, he has to eliminate conflict in national environmental management; his views on whether environmental mediation is required in this country; if so, the extent of the cost involved in such schemes; and by whom the finance should be provided for the service.

Minister for the Environment (Dr. O'Hanlon)

The establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency is intended to enhance public confidence in the ability of public authorities to monitor and control the impact of major development on the environment. Apart from the direct licensing control of specified activities, the agency will have a wide range of other functions for the promotion of environmentally sound practices which will help to eliminate many potential areas of conflict relating to development.

I have no proposals for the introduction of a formal system of environmental mediation. However, there is nothing in existing or proposed legislation which would hinder the use of such an arrangement in individual cases with the agreement of all the parties concerned.