“The Greens are a welcome component of government but they cannot hold Ireland’s future progress to ransom with their opposition to critical infrastructural investments,” said Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher.

“The Greens have 11 TDs actively supporting the current government; Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have over 70, yet the Green Party seem to think they can veto everything they disagree with ideologically.

Kelleher was commenting after a week of Green Party opposition to an expansion of Dublin Airport.

“Ireland is an island. Airport connectivity is essential for us. For business and leisure, the Irish people deserve more routes and cheaper routes at that. We need the lift the cap at Dublin Airport and secure additional routes for our regional airports such as Cork, Shannon, Kerry and eventually Waterford.

“In many other areas of policy, we see the Green veto being wielded: the development of an LNG facility, the blocking or slowing down of major road infrastructure projects, and an energy policy that undermines Ireland’s attractiveness as an investment hub.

“In these issues and more, Ireland is being held back because of Green Party opposition.

“We are failing to capitalise on our potential as a wind energy producer. We are turning away investment from major international companies because our electricity grid isn’t up to scratch.

“We are damaging our regional connectivity due to foot dragging on motorway construction, and we are damaging our country’s energy security by an irrational opposition to the building of an LNG facility.

“We all want to see a more sustainable society. I supported the Green Party’s inclusion in the government, as they do bring a different perspective to issues. However, they can’t have a veto over every issue facing Ireland. We are risking our future prosperity if they continue to hold us back,” concluded Kelleher.