Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Chairman that there is no need to sacrifice one for the other. So one can have renewable energy and protect the marine environment, and all of the positives that come from that. I agree with the points made that sustainable development is a very broad term and could mean anything to anyone.

On the discussion surrounding the Foreshore Act, the Department gave assurances earlier that the changes proposed will have no impact whatsoever on anyone who uses the marine environment or has an interest in it. Do those assurances address the concerns of the network? No, and those concerns remain. It is a very unsatisfactory situation where the Department says the legislation will have no impact whatsoever. It is not just the delegations who are in now that are concerned and that is in all of the other submissions we have received. The renewable energy sector is heavily concerned about the legislation.

I thank the three participants here for all of the work that they do on issues outside of the committee. I am very conscious of it and the huge amount of effort that they put in is highly valued.

On Bord Pleanála, is the Irish Planning Institute concerned about this Bill, the heads of the Bill and how it could, potentially, concentrate power to appoint in the hands of the Minister? What is the view of the institute?