Fianna Fáil senator Eugene Murphy has expressed frustration that his own party leader, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, hasn’t visited the Lough Funshinagh area in recent times.
Stating he has “deep fear” about the present situation, Senator Murphy said he is “fully intent” on arranging a visit by the Tánaiste.
He added: “I have asked the State to look at emergency legislation as one way of bringing relief to those poor people. We must act before more damage is done to the local community. In my view the Government must get a way around this, whatever it takes”.
Senator Murphy said he had already pointed out to the authorities some time ago that wildlife, flora and fauna, etc have all been destroyed in the area.
“The longer this goes on the more damage that will be done to the local environment. The so-called Friends of the Irish Environment are defeating the purpose here totally.
“The Lough Funshinagh debacle is without question the most difficult issue I have dealt with during all my time in politics. I feel successive governments have not been bold enough while making efforts to solve the matter. For my part, I have done everything I can for the people there but I am very conscious that has not been enough”.
The senator said that he had brought the Minister for Agriculture to the area and has been in constant touch with Patrick O’Donovan, the (outgoing) minister with responsibility for the OPW, as well as raising the crisis in the Seanad on a number of occasions.
“I did promise the local community that I would have the Tánaiste visit. I am disappointed that to date this has not happened. I know in his present role as Minister for Foreign Affairs he is extremely busy, but I do expect him to fulfil his promises”.
