Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses. It strikes me that we have not mentioned An Bord Pleanála in all of this. It will be a major influence over what we deliver and where it is delivered. The planning guidelines are crucially important, particularly where they can be legally strengthened by way of directives. Mr. O'Mahony made a point about duplexes, apartments and mixed developments. They absolutely work. Such developments ensure questions are not asked about what we are building for seniors and young families. If they are done properly, communities are built. I would love to know how An Bord Pleanála will adhere to the guidelines. I have seen some decisions of the board that make sense and follow the guidelines. Those who propose developments of more than 100 units will go straight to An Bord Pleanála. I do not know what interaction, if any, the Department has had with the board at a policy level regarding the specific question of mixed development.