Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have questions on this section, and the Minister of State may need the officials for them. My questions refer specifically to sections 27(10) and (12). These subsections relate to the role of the regional assembly in a co-ordinated area plan. In its submission to the committee on 30 January 2024, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly raised a number of important questions. It might be helpful if the Minister of State was in a position to clarify the position at this time. The regional assembly expressed some concern that section 27(10) does not provide guidance regarding the principal regional assembly or the process for the designation of a principal regional assembly. In this regard, there are instances where a designated settlement overlaps the functional areas of two regional assemblies. For example, the boundary of Athlone town is within the boundaries of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly as well as the functional areas of Westmeath and Roscommon county councils.

The regional assembly requested that section 27(10) include reference to the potential principal regional assembly in the preparation of a co-ordinated area plan, including guidance regarding the designation of principal regional assemblies. It also expressed some concern regarding the roles regional assemblies are being given under section 27(10)(b), (c), (d) and (e). Regional assemblies are not clear at this stage how their role will function and what guidance and criteria will be provided.

There has been a history of - I will choose my words very diplomatically - intercounty contests over who gets to decide what. When the last iteration of this mechanism under Deputy John Paul Phelan was brought forward, it caused quite a considerable amount of consternation, in particular among those in the CCMA. Therefore, I hope the Minister of State is in a position to provide us with as much clarity as possible in how it is expected the regional assemblies will fulfil their functions under section 27(10) and (12). Is the Minister of State or his officials considering the provision by way of a Report Stage amendment for a principal regional assembly in a location where the area being covered by the co-ordinated area plan involves two regional assemblies?