Irish speakers were discriminated against because they were given three weeks to assess the Irish translation of the environmental impact statement (EIS) of Galway city's outer bypass, while English speakers had six, An Bord Pleanála was told yesterday.
Most of the second day of the oral hearing into objections to the proposed bypass was taken up by arguments that the hearing should be postponed while objectors sought a High Court ruling on whether they were treated fairly. Mary Francis Ó Conghaile contended that following the translation of the EIS, Irish speakers were given only three weeks instead of the obligatory six weeks to examine and submit their responses. This put them at a disadvantage compared to English speakers, she said.
Néill Bairéad said he had submitted an affidavit to the High Court challenging this timeframe and had received confirmation from a High Court judge that the matter could be examined within two days. He had sent a letter to An Bord Pleanála seeking an indication if it would seek costs for the High Court hearing, but he had not received a reply.
Percy Podger, representing environmental protection group Hands Across the Corrib as well as a number of residents, said it was imperative that inspector Michael Walsh indicate whether An Bord Pleanála would give that undertaking or adjourn the hearing while he sought advice. He added that not all of the EIS was translated, which further discriminated against Irish speakers. "I would have expected this from the English 100 years ago, but I am dumbfounded to have it from an emanation of the State at a time when Irish has been made an official EU language," he remarked.