Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for interrupting. We have reached seven minutes for this slot but we will return to the issue. I will contribute now in the Green Party slot.

It is an indication that members find much common ground on these issues that four or five of the 15 questions I intended to ask have already been asked. There is, therefore, good agreement on what needs to be addressed in this Bill. I thank the witnesses for their submissions, views and experiences which assist us in crafting this legislation.

On economic viability, which Mr. Benson addressed, I will go further on that and speak from experience. The developers and investors would have a good sense of what is viable. Why would they then go through the lengthy and expensive process of drawing up designs and submitting planning applications if they do not believe the project is viable? Does that have anything to do with the value that would accrue to the land if planning permission were secured?