Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 5

Written Answers. - Planning Matters.

Michael Ring

Question:

174 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if a meeting took place between officials of his Department, the planning officer and other officials in Mayo County Council on the dates of 25, 26, 27 and 28 June 2001; if there was an agenda; if he will provide a copy of the agenda and minutes of meeting; the matters discussed; if the planning application of Enterprise Isle was discussed; his views on whether it is inappropriate to interfere in the planning process; the reason for discussing this planning application with the council; and the persons who attended the meeting. [25212/01]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

One of my officials Mr. M. Daly, accompanied by a consultant from Environmental Resources Management, ERM, attended a meeting with Mayo County Council's planning officer on 26 June 2001. The meeting was to address the comments made by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, as requested by Mayo County Council in relation to the environmental impact statement, EIS, for the proposed Enterprise Energy Ireland gas terminal at Bellanaboy Bridge, which was based on a report prepared for the Department by ERM. My official did not participate in any discussions on Enterprise Energy Ireland's planning application. He has not been furnished with any minutes of the meeting.

The Deputy is well aware of my view that it is inappropriate for Ministers or officials to interfere in the planning process of any local authority and I strongly refute any suggestion that my Department attempted to influence in any way the decision by Mayo County Council on the planning application by Enterprise Energy Ireland.