Mr. David O'Connor:

I thank the Chair. I agree that Deputy Ó Broin made important points. The point was well made in The Irish Timesat the weekend that we should not forget the importance and what used to be the pre-eminence of local authorities and local development plans. National guidelines are very important, but local authorities comprise elected representatives who make the plan and, as was mentioned, that is a contract with the people and they should be empowered to make the plan for themselves. Directly elected mayors can strengthen that system in cities.

The point on Poolbeg is interesting. I would like to see a future where local authorities are well skilled and empowered so that places like Poolbeg are put under pressure in terms of attractiveness, as well as places in north and west Dublin and regional cities so that there is an evenness and equality of space. It is to be hoped that is a future we can envisage and plan for.