Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The practical import is that we are bringing in legislation that will provide for national planning statements. We are giving them statutory effect whereby local area plans, in every aspect, have to be materially consistent with what is in national planning statements. What the legislation effectively does, and this will probably bring better clarity, is empower the Minister to issue, with the approval of the Government, a national planning statement for the purpose of setting out policy and providing related guidance on planning matters to support proper planning and sustainable development. National planning statements replace section 28 guidelines and the ministerial directive under section 29. In essence, the legislation will empower the Minister to provide national planning statements, which will set out policy and provide related guidelines that are approved by the Cabinet.