Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The powers of An Bord Pleanála to give approvals that are in material contravention to a development plan are circumscribed in legislation in a manner that may not include BusConnects projects. It is desirable that we address this opportunity to make sure BusConnects projects are not left out. This is to make sure we can actually deliver those sustainable mobility projects.

In determining any application for approval under section 51 of the Roads Act, boards must have regard to development and local area plans. If the BusConnects project infrastructure is not contemplated by the relevant development plans and local authority board, it could be seen as being in contravention of such plans. It is just to make sure.

I want us to be able to deliver the sustainable mobility BusConnects infrastructure in a timely manner and make sure An Bord Pleanála is not constrained in that regard. That is the reason. The Attorney General's office was central in advising, supporting and recommending some of these suggestions to make sure we do not have any gap in the capability.