Ms AnnMarie Farrelly:

One aspect is that we need to recognise that planning authorities have different challenges. Whereas one might talk to the 31 local authorities, there might be chalk and cheese between different local authorities with regard to the scale of what they are dealing with or even with the issues that arise within each local planning authority area. The timelines are also very tight. The development plan process is a very arduous task. There are very tight timelines.

Reference was made to the issue of dezoning. Certainly, our challenge is in dealing with the expectations of landowners in the development plan process around proposed zonings and whether we are working towards core strategies or other constraints that are now there to assist good planning. That is not always the expectation of those on the ground. We are still going through that level of engagement with third parties that requires a huge effort just to work through the process. Ms Scully made the point that whether it is a large or small urban development zone, UDZ, the community involvement or the third-party involvement might actually be the same. Working to tight timelines without an assessment of the task in hand is probably the biggest challenge we have. That said, we understand that the plans have to be delivered quickly and early to facilitate development. This is why we need to have our priorities correct and get those plans done. If the efficiencies are then achieved in the last stage of the development management process, it must be recognised that the time is well spent on the plan making. If the SDZs are evaluated, particularly those that were not unviable and that could get going, the efficiencies in the planning system can be seen when the SDZ is in place. I believe it is the same for the urban development zones because no matter what happens or whether it takes a long time to deliver a plan. If the site is not ready, it is not ready. The plan-making process will make sure the right sites are ready and at the right time for development.