An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has defended his call for An Taisce to reverse its decision to appeal the High Court judgement on planning permission for the Glanbia cheese plant at Belview, Co Kilkenny.

“Politicians, every day of the week, write to planning authorities. They make observations. The observations are not ones that have to be taken on board, but we’re entitled to make observations,” the Taoiseach told the Dáil on Wednesday afternoon.

“This Government has brought in a landmark climate change bill with very significant challenges.

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“We want to bring people with us on this journey in terms of meeting the very significant challenges that we’re going to face many sectors including agriculture in respect of meeting our climate change goals. We need to bring people on board. It means balance in my view in terms of the public debate.”

The comments from An Taoiseach came following question by Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns.

“Taoiseach, when I asked you about planning on a mass infant grave in Bessborough, you told me it was inappropriate for a member of Government intervene on planning matters,” Cairns said.

“How do you reconcile this with your statement yesterday on Glanbia. Is that an appropriate thing from a Taoiseach?”