6th April 2004

PRESS RELEASE

GREENS ALARMED AT PROPOSED STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE BILL

The Green Party has expressed alarm at the Government’s proposals for a strategic infrastructure Bill. The Bill would sideline An Bord Pleanála and local authorities in deciding on major development proposals.

The Green Party Planning spokesperson, Ciarán Cuffe TD, said today that, “The public’s views should not be cast aside in deciding on major projects. Most of the delays to large projects in recent years have been due to a lack of political leadership rather than blockages in the planning process. The major delays in the Metro, Luas and Dublin Port Tunnel were due to Cabinet indecision, rather than public consultation.”

“The right to appeal is a cornerstone of our planning process. There is a real danger that the views of the public will be marginalized if this legislation goes ahead. There is also a concern that the Government’s strategy on sustainability will be put to one side in the legislation.”

“Any delays attributable to planning are mostly due to a lack of resources.   The Government should provide more planners and resources for An Bord Pleanála and planning authorities in order to tackle these delays.”

“Any residual delays can be attributed to land disputes and we would be happy to see a new division of the High Court set up to address this.”

“Major projects that will change the face of Ireland for generations to come should not be rushed through at the drop of a hat. It is often better to wait rather than rush to make incorrect decisions that will have serious consequences.”

“Thankfully, proposals to build a nuclear power station at Carnsore, to pave over Dublin’s canals for a motorway and to build a ‘Bladerunner’ city of skyscrapers at Spencer Dock never got off the ground. I wonder whether the proposed Strategic Infrastructure Board would have had such foresight,” concluded Deputy Cuffe.