Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said politicians are entitled to comment on planning issues as he defended his remarks urging heritage organisation An Taisce to withdraw its appeal against the construction of a €140 million cheese factory in Co Kilkenny. Mr Martin was speaking in the Dáil as Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns questioned the appropriateness of such remarks “from a Taoiseach”. Increasing tensionsEchoing the Taoiseach’s comments, the Fianna Fáil Minister implied that An Taisce’s appeal against planning permission for the cheese plant could damage Ireland’s reputation in attracting foreign direct investment. The Green Party has already signalled it will resist any efforts by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Ministers to apply pressure on An Taisce to back down. CriticisedStephen Matthews, a Green Party TD who is the chair of the Oireachtas Housing Committee, defended An Taisce’s right to appeal and criticised the “pile-on” from Government TDs.

Source: The Irish Times May 13, 2021 00:01 UTC