In the western part of County Limerick, there is a townland called Gortadroma where, for several years, the county council operated a massive and poorly maintained landfill site, to the detriment of the quality of life of people in that community. When the operation was eventually closed, the quality of life in the locality improved. In recent months, however, to the shock of the local community, the council, without any consultation, entered into an agreement with a foreign company which could see the construction of a monster gasification plant in the heart of this rural community. We have had debates in this House on incineration and fracking and there is legislation on some of those areas. Is any legislation proposed to deal with gasification? There is no national policy to protect communities, like that in Gortadroma, from the environmental effects of gasification. I am calling for a debate on this matter and clarification as to whether any legislation will be brought forward to protect communities.

The situation the Deputy outlined is clearly a matter for councillors to bring forward for debate at the council and to present to the chief executive the views and concerns of the local community. I am not aware of any legislative proposals specifically in regard to gasification.