Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will be quick. The regulator makes a really important point there, perhaps one of the most important made today, on the issue of zoning, the responsibility for which vests with city and county councils. I always say to people coming up in this development planning process to focus on something I would have always focused on and which serves people well, that is, zoning objectives and specific local objectives. One can shape a lot in that regard and there is potential for councillors to use the system imaginatively, have a bit of foresight and exercise a bit of power.

I want to make a comment before I ask a question. We have heard a lot of bellyaching from Oireachtas Members about strategic housing developments, SHDs. It is Government policy and the Government extended it. I have reams of paper clippings here and have seen lists of Deputies and Government Ministers opposing SHDs but despite all the debate, it is Government policy. The Government signed on the dotted line and SHDs are happening, whether in Goatstown, Dalkey, Killiney, Mulhuddart or Meath. I see Deputies and Government Ministers writing out objections and I am tired of the bellyaching. Those Deputies got what they asked for and brought it on themselves. I want to make that point. I do not want to make it too aggressively but I am tired of Deputies telling county councillors it is all terrible. They complain about the Office of Public Works, OPW, and An Bord Pleanála. The legislation is made in these Houses.

The planning regulator's annual report touched on the online planning processes. It stated there may be a requirement to review the existing planning fees that have been in place since 2001, resulting in only €24 million of income in 2018 to planning authorities against a cost of providing all planning services of €140 million. Will Mr. Cussen share his thinking with us? Is there a general consensus among people in this area? I have concerns about an increase but also understand that someone has to pay for it. Mr. Cussen might share his thoughts with us.