Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I will speak to amendment No. 239. My read of the section is that it is a prescriptive and closed list. Section 27(1) states, "A regional spatial and economic strategy shall make provision for the following matters". It does not state "including the following matters". It is a prescriptive list. It appears to be a closed list that does not allow for other areas. I am particularly concerned about the current wording in section 27(1)(k). It references "the preservation and protection of the environment and its amenities" but does not reference restoration of the environment, which we have discussed. It is a single word but it is very important that we have restoration of the environment and habitats. We should not simply seek to preserve and protect the existing environment but also seek to have restoration. This has been talked about quite considerably in recent times in the context of the EU nature restoration law, but in terms of the planning Bill and regional, spatial and economic strategies, we should not simply seek to preserve and protect; we should also seek to restore. Restoration is absolutely key in that regard, including from the point of view of biodiversity. It is not just about protecting what we currently have. It is also about restoration. That needs to be at the heart of our planning system. Will the Minister of State explain why he feels restoration should not be included in the section? Maybe he will accept our amendment.