John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Not to labour the point, the best-case scenario here is that we introduce a system in good faith to try to reduce the number of judicial reviews taken and to enable public participation in the planning process at the first stage. The worst-case scenario, however, is that we block up the entire planning process in local authorities. The only solution involves resourcing planning departments, and that must happen now. It must happen right now if we are going to be able to meet our timelines for the introduction of this process in the local authority planning system. It will take several months to get recruitment campaigns under way and staff in place. I cannot emphasise the importance of this aspect enough.