Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Both speakers have touched on these issues. From my perspective and that of my party, for a new planning and development Act to work effectively, we must learn from the lessons of the past and present in terms of how permission is enforced. That is the big issue. Even if a local authority in my county, for example, has the best will in the world and the best intentions, only one person works in the enforcement office. I know they do not have the labour resources, let alone the financial resources, to allow them to work effectively and properly on behalf of the public, especially considering all we have supposedly learned. We must do all that we can more effectively and more properly, thus getting a greater dividend. This business and aspect of the economy are proving to be essential and important. Therefore, benefits will accrue to all sectors of the economy. This will only happen when local authorities are given the proper tools and resources to manage the situation effectively and properly into the future. It would mean that the local economy would derive a greater benefit from a social perspective and a public benefit perspective. There must be a firm and honest commitment given to resource local authorities adequately, thus allowing them to do their job effectively.

Various submissions had merit. My initial reaction and that of any other member, however, cannot be taken as read. Much more in-depth analysis must take place before we can support amending the existing Planning and Development Act which does not meet the requirements of business currently.

We have been very slow to amend it properly and effectively to meet current demand and allow the sector to be sustained and grow, and also to have a social element we can stand over such that we can say people from all walks of society, rather than just one, are benefiting.