Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair and Senator Cummins for raising these important questions. The Department is undertaking a review of local authorities across the country in regard to resourcing. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, will make an announcement around the resourcing elements the Senator has raised. We are conscious that this is putting an already over-burdened planning system within local government under more obligation - I say "obligation" rather than "pressure". They are doing incredible work up and down the country, from the smaller local authorities to the larger ones. This resourcing issue is something we are keenly aware of and are addressing. As I said, the fees will also help in that regard because they will be retained 100% by the councils.

In relation to further information, the pre-planning element of it is very positive in that much of the further information side can be dealt with at the pre-planning stage. There might be further information requests that come in from the public's participation that perhaps local authorities might not have thought of in discussions with project promoters and, obviously, those have to be dealt with as well. It is hoped that this will streamline the planning process in dealing with many of the further information requests at the pre-planning stage.

There is a positive aspect to trying to streamline but not stifle public participation in the process. I hope that answers the Senator's question.