I, too, would like to be associated with the thoughts for Máire Lillis. I thank Senator Flaherty for such kind words. I hope the Lillis family can find some comfort in the joy they had for the 24 years that Máire was on this earth.

Today, I rise to speak about the Longford Agricultural Show that was held last Sunday in Councillor Gerry Hagan's field. It was a spectacular show. I would like to wish Ballinamuck Olde Fair Day, which is taking place next Sunday in my own village of Ballinamuck, continued success. It is run by the locals and represents old traditions on old fair day. It has been very successful for the last number of years and I wish it well this year. It seems that the weather is going to hold up for people.

I also rise to welcome one of the largest rooftop solar projects to take place in County Cavan at the Mannok building, which was Seán Quinn's old site. The size of three football fields, it shows what can be done when people come together. I raise this issue because many solar farms are being fitted at this moment in time on agricultural land and we are losing land that is needed for food production. Given the amount of roof space that is available on all large buildings, including industrial ones, a discussion is needed regarding State intervention, with the ESB, so that we can come up with a State-led pilot project whereby we invest in solar panels on farm roof sheds and industrial roofs and envisage generating electricity without taking up good agricultural land. We have seen this all over Ireland. It galls me to say this but I unfortunately am trying to farm marginal, poor land in County Longford. However, the likes of Offaly, Meath and Kildare - this is no disrespect to counties down south - have lovely green fields that are taken up with these solar panels. Really and truly, it is not the space we need to be going to. We need to think outside the box. This is land that should be used for the production of food, whatever it may be, but when solar panels are put on it, it is gone for all time. There should be some discussion on the use of roofs and marginal areas. Anywhere we see good land, there should be no solar panels. That is my thinking about where we are going with this. I would welcome that discussion, which we need to have.