A statement made by a local public representative in Seanad Éireann should be publicly withdrawn and corrected. That's according to a complaint by an environmental group regarding comments made by Senator Eugene Murphy in relation to Lough Funshinagh. In a statement to Shannonside News, Friends of the Irish Environment accused the Roscommon representative of 'encroaching on the functions of the courts': The group says Senator Murphy 'incorrectly characterised' the relationship between them and a High Court judge during a statement to the Seanad.
The matter arose in a debate on the flood relief scheme at the Roscommon turlough on Tuesday, 30th of April. Friends of the Irish Environment had successfully challenged the scheme in 2021 before Justice Garret Simons. Addressing the Seanad last month, Senator Murphy alleged the judge was previously a legal advisor to Friends of the Irish Environment. In a letter to Jerry Buttimer, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, however, FIE Director Tony Lowes denied this. Mr Lowes also challenged Senator Murphy's naming of him as responsible for the objection, saying the case had been taken by Friends of the Irish Environment CLG. The FIE Director added that the Senator's claims have had an adverse effect on both he and Friends of the Irish Environment. The complaint concluded by asking that all appropriate steps be taken, including requiring that the record be corrected publicly.
