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

I thank the Minister of State for the clarification. I will give a scenario. There could be a local authority where the members doing the development plan decide not to facilitate the construction of a significant roadway in their area. It is unlikely that the majority of elected members would do that. They would only do that in an extreme circumstances. I will just use it as an example. This allows the Minister to decide that it is of regional importance and, therefore, despite the wishes of the democratically elected majority in that area, this project will go ahead. Further, giving the Minister that power does not require any democratic oversight from the Oireachtas. He or she can just go ahead and do that, which is a significant overturn of a majority of councillors. As I said, it is unlikely that a majority of councillors in a local authority area would come to a view like that. There would be very specific circumstances if they did. This really gives the Minister huge power. Our amendment requiring Oireachtas approval is completely appropriate, given the level of power that this confers on the Minister. It is fine to consult with the OPR but all it states is "consult with". This does not give the OPR the opportunity to stop it or anything like that. It is just a consultation.