13th October 2003

PRESS RELEASE

PROPOSED NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURAL BODY AN ATTACK ON DEMOCRACY AND COMMUNITIES - GREEN PARTY

The Green Party has sharply criticised the Government's proposal to set up a new National Infrastructure body. The Party stated that the proposed body would side-step An Bord Pleanala and limit democratic input into decision-making.

Green Party TD, Ciarán Cuffe said today, "Minister Cullen has sidelined democracy with his recent so-called 'Protection of the Environment' Act. He now wants to diminish the role of communities and individuals in commenting on projects. "

"Regarding high profile planning appeals, objectors to the Corrib Gas Field works were vindicated by the recent mudslides in Co. Mayo. Even the Taoiseach appeared to have been on the side of the local community regarding the proposal to build a National Conference Centre at Spencer Dock in Dublin. "

"Of course there is a need to reduce delays to important projects, but not at the expense of 'kowtowing' to big business or by side-stepping the legitimate democratic concerns of communities," concluded Deputy Cuffe.

Ends