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

I agree with the Minister in that I would see it as being the exception rather than the norm but to legislate for a blanket refusal and at the same time say local authorities will have a certain amount of discretion is contradictory. I accept this will happen in only a small percentage of cases. There are many viable businesses within RPZs in rural areas that will be affected by this provision. For them, this discretion makes sense. I agree with the Minister that the bulk of the applications should be refused but there are notable and significant exceptions where they should be allowed.