Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. Kelly for her comprehensive presentation. In regard to the seven ordinary members of the board, is it necessary to achieve a balance across representative sectors? I am concerned that the quorum is two members. Is it possible to achieve a balance when only two members are present? I take Dr. Kelly's point in regard to the inspectors' reports, the directions and the orders because I frequently end up reading them. Sometimes, however, it is difficult to figure out why a decision was made where an inspector has, for example, strongly recommended a refusal on an application that the board decides to grant permission. How does the board respond when an inspector strongly recommends a refusal?

Does strategic infrastructure include any type of industrial development or does it only include public infrastructure? I ask Dr. Kelly in the hope she can tell me off the top of her head because I would otherwise have to go back to the Act.

Does the board shop around for legal representation? In regard to the cost of running the board, I note its lease expired but the difference in the cost was not large. Perhaps it is a year ahead but was a reduction sought on the rent? There is clearly an abundance of office space and it is currently possible to negotiate savings from a position of strength.

The 31% figure for reversals appears to vary according to different parts of the country. I presume decisions are broken down by category but County Leitrim had a reversal rate of 75% compared to 21% in the area that I represent, Kildare. Do these figures represent one-off houses?

In regard to higher density developments along public transportation corridors, there is a clear need to link land use and transportation planning so that public transport can function in a financially sustainable way. Where do market forces come into play? Are decisions determined by the national spatial strategy? I presume the National Transportation Authority has a role in developing strategies.

Would an online planning application system help significantly in allowing the board to function more effectively? I often find it quite difficult to decipher scales of maps and similar images. Is there a limit on that and would Dr. Kelly recommend changes in an ideal world?