Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Coughlan for his presentation. It was good to hear the view of a local authority executive. I come from an inland country and ask him to further explain the enhanced role that local authorities can play in terms of licensing and development consent. I listened to his presentation and gathered that a plan-led approach is desired which is similar to county development plans that take into consideration the economic, social and environmental aspects of an area. Let us take the County Clare coast as an example and say that there is an integrated plan that will span a ten-year period. In that case the local authority would state its vision and set out its scope.

This includes taking into consideration the social, economic and environmental aspects. Perhaps Mr. Coughlan can elaborate on that. Mr. Coughlan mentioned a serious delay in issuing licenses and leases. Perhaps we can have a short explanation of the current situation.