Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Our decision to introduce these regulations shows that we are willing to consider new proposals. I reiterate, however, that we must get the balance right because we have seen how lax planning got the country into trouble in the past. For this reason, we must ensure a balance is struck between the interests of communities and economic development. We are seeking to improve the planning system and make it more coherent in respect of foreshore. We are also considering new guidelines on wind energy, which is a matter of interest to many people. We are trying to respond to the issues that are emerging, particularly in the area of renewable energy, and we are open to new technologies.