Ms Claragh Mulhern:

There are provisions in it that allow for permission to be refused on the grounds of prematurity. What we are keen to ensure is that we get the balance right. If the local authority and the State ultimately in terms of investment in infrastructure have a long-term vision for this area, we would not want some developments to come forward that might frustrate that overall plan-led development. There does need to be some mechanism for the planning authority to take a view on that. However, if it is development that is not likely to conflict with the planned intentions relating to the site, there is no reason for the planning authority to refuse permission. The planning authority will be the expert when it comes to making the judgment as to what development is likely to be appropriate with the longer term vision in mind and what is not so it is about getting the balance right.