Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The levy framework will set out the standard charges that will apply to MACs to ensure appropriate financial returns to the State. These will be published, and the published framework at the time of the MAC decision will be applied to any application in question. This will replace the administratively unwieldy expensive and time-consuming individual property valuations required for foreshore leasing processes, as the Deputy is aware. It will also provide certainty to applicants and key process improvement in the current regime. It will not be a one-size-fits-all approach. The levy framework will be determined in accordance with section 88(3). Our approach moves away from property value as the sole determinant as under the Foreshore Act to a far broader range of considerations, including the area involved, public benefits that might arise from the usage, the level of profit that might accrue from the usage, and the legal nature of potential holders, for example, those of more limited financial means that can be accommodated. It is the explicit responsibility of MARA's board to develop the framework. It can be assisted in this task by the CEO and committees of the board. Given the wide range of interests and factors, it is envisaged that the development process will be inclusive and participatory in the same manner as will have been approached in other aspects of the new regime.