Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This amendment in the name of Deputy Ryan would have the effect of inserting a requirement in the planning code that planning applications be refused where the development proposed would be contrary to the water framework directive because it might cause deterioration in water quality or the status of a water body, thereby jeopardising the attainment of good chemical status of water, as required under the directive. While the Deputy is well-intentioned, I am opposing this amendment because the water framework directive is already given general effect in section 1A of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. More specifically, the water framework directive is also given effect in relation to the planning functions of planning authorities by way of section 10(2C)(b) of the Act relating to the content of development plans. I draw the Deputy's attention to the commitment given in my recently published public consultation on the river basin management plan for Ireland. Deputy Ó Broin was suggesting we were not progressing very well in this respect but we are. We have already had quite a number of meetings in regard to that and on the extraction issue.