John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We touched on this briefly before the public session started in the context of the overview of the draft Bill. If I could move on to section 257, which relates to protected structures and the desire to make it easier to bring such structures back into use for residential purposes. I will again use my area as an example because it is what I know best. We have utilised schemes, such as the repair-and-lease scheme, in Waterford to a great extent. We brought in the changes to exempted developments to allow for former public houses to be transferred into residential units. We also have a high number of protected structures in Waterford so anything to make it easier and simplify the process of bringing properties back into use for residential is something I have a keen interest in. The flaw I see with this section and the existing section 57 process,is that the timelines are not advantageous versus the normal planning process. If I have a protected structure and am looking to make small changes that I think will not materially affect it and I apply to the local authority to be exempt in the context of the existing section 57, it will have to come back to me within a ten-week process and essentially say "Yes" or "No". If it says "No", I have to start the planning process, which kick-starts an eight-week process at that point. What I am trying to say is that there is good value in what we are seeking to achieve but that our aims in this regard are not being met because the timelines are not advantageous in the context of utilising the process.