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

I thank the Minister and his officials. We discussed this matter at length. The amendment will strengthen the role of An Bord Pleanála in the process. It will also allow communities and individuals to appeal to An Bord Pleanála, regardless of whether the noise regulator has made a determination that communities may not be affected by noise. This section will allow the board to have a greater say and, through the board, local communities will also have a much greater say. This strengthens the independence of the legislation. I thank the Minister and his officials for listening to the views we expressed on this matter. The amendment goes some way towards meeting our concerns.