Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Much of what is involved in this legislation is very welcome. The fact that the leave stage is being removed, and the public is being included right from the start, is very welcome progress as is the fact that we are making the requirement for the environmental impact assessment much more explicit. That is something that ties in significantly with our climate action goals and also with proper planning, which is effectively what we are trying to achieve. Allowing applications to be made for future planning at the same time seems to make logistical sense. I would certainly welcome the officials' views on why that is the best route to go down but, looking at it from the outside, it seems to make the most logistical sense.

I have one of these, possibly, controversial situations in my constituency. One of the things that is a bit of a loophole that can often be exploited is if somebody is denied substitute consent and applies for a judicial review. During the time that court case is going through, it effectively ties the hands of local authorities when it comes to planning enforcement. I do not see anything in the Bill that would tackle that but I would certainly welcome the officials' thoughts on it.