Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 3, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following: " 'Community Organisation' means an established, active and representative, residents organisation, based in the locality of the proposed development;".

Amendment No. 1 defines a community organisation, which is important to define because the term "community organisations" is mentioned in amendment No. 43. I will speak to amendments Nos. 1 and 43 together.

Amendment No. 43 provides for community organisations to be consulted as part of the planning application process, as outlined in the Bill, which allows for developers to meet officials to discuss a development. It is vitally important, especially in urban areas, that local community groups are aware of what is happening. The amendment would go some way to short-circuit and prevent complaints about planning. The natural opposition that most people have to this is that the amendment gives opposition a more open hand. I believe that by being open and fully discussing matters with the people on whom the development would have an impact, they will know what the process involves and what is being discussed. Amendment No. 43 would streamline this process.

Amendment No. 43 is very long so I will not go into it in great detail. The amendment outlines the process. The amendment provides for community organisations to attend meetings and participate in meetings, which is very worthwhile. The purpose of this legislation should be to involve the community as well as the developer because it is the community that will have to live with the development. The amendment can only strengthen the process and the development. A number of community groups have been involved in the consultation stage and made suggestions. In fact, this amendment was put forward on behalf of one of them. This amendment is worthwhile and should be given consideration.