Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand the point Deputy Ó Broin is making. He mentioned Moore Street as an example. I know it well. Deputy Ó Broin is seeking to add text similar to that in section 9. While the setting would generally be taken into account it should not be a restriction. For example, a development could be in the grounds of a protected structure and we have seen many of these in many of our cities. The merits of balancing the appropriateness of the scale and format of development while maintaining the protected nature of the structure is something that will have to be taken into account on a case-by-case basis. In urban areas in particular, there is a need to recognise that the surrounding context may evolve and change to meet present and future sustainable development needs.

To look at Moore Street, for argument's sake, it has evolved since the Rising when the buildings were used in the break-out from the GPO. They have had lots of other uses as part of a living city. To take Moore Street as an example again, would adding the surrounding context of the structure bring it all the way up to Parnell Square and the Garden of Remembrance? What is the context? Where does the context stop? There are all of these various issues. I understand the point the Deputy Ó Broin is making but having said that we are not in a position to accept the amendment.