Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 126:

In page 97, after line 5, to insert the following:

“PART 12
Dublin Docklands Development Authority

Amendment of Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act 1997
67.(1)In this section “Act of 1997” means the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act 1997.

(2)Section 20(1)(a)(i) of the Act of 1997 is amended with effect from 27 November 2013 by substituting “within such period of time as the Minister may determine by order having regard to all the relevant circumstances” for “at least once in every five years”.
(3)The master plan adopted on 27 November 2008 by the Council established under section 16 of the Act of 1997 shall, subject to section 20(1)(a)(iii), continue to be the master plan under that Act for the Dublin Docklands Area until a new plan is adopted in accordance with section 20(1)(a)(i) of that Act as amended by subsection (2).
(4)Every act done (by commission or omission) by or on behalf of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority before the passing of this Act in respect of a matter to which this section relates that was done in anticipation of the passing of an Act containing a provision to the like effect as this section shall be deemed to be, and always to have been, a valid exercise by that Authority of its functions.”.
The extension of the master plan is needed to ensure that appropriate fast-track planning procedures remain in place in the docklands area until the new strategic development zone, SDZ, planning arrangements become operational. These arrangements are not expected to be in operation until the second quarter of 2014 as the SDZ is under appeal to An Bord Pleanála. The current docklands master plan recently expired on 27 November 2013. This plan is fundamental to the fast-track planning system as it sets the overall planning framework for the docklands area. In order to avoid any legal risks associated with the continued operation of the fast-track planning process in the period from 28 November 2013 until the SDZ becomes operational, it is essential that a valid master plan is in place. Amendment No. 197 is a consequential amendment to the Long Title of the Bill.