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

The reality is that this legislation is forward-looking. No one lobbied in respect of it. I am not sure to what Deputy Cian O'Callaghan is necessarily referring. There was no lobbying on this. Let us be clear on that. Obviously, there is a lobbying register and members should feel free to check it. The reality is that this is a streamlining provision. As I stated, we are carrying out a full planning review. Deputy Ó Broin referred to the judicial review reform legislation that actually predates this Government and goes back to the previous Oireachtas. It is moving through slowly. This provision is absolutely needed as a streamlining provision for any potential challenges taken against the State or a local authority or in instances where there would be a leapfrogging arrangement. It is appropriate. It is important that it is in place when we are trying to make the planning system more effective.

We are grounding this back with local authorities too. I do not wish to repeat myself, but the whole purpose of this is to bring planning for these large-scale developments back to local authorities. I believe this is appropriate to the Bill. It is important that it is done and that we do not have to wait for the conclusion of the full review of the planning code of which we are in the middle. I responded to Deputy O'Callaghan earlier on the timeframe in that regard. I will be bringing other planning legislation through in advance of the planning review being completed. Although members may disagree with different parts of the planning system, I think we all agree that we had to improve its efficiency while making sure the right to make observations or objections in support of or in opposition to applications is retained. That is a right I firmly believe in. This provision is relevant, valid and important and it is urgent that it is done. Hence its inclusion as section 6 of the legislation