Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Chair, if I may come in briefly, then I can resume the Chair. The four amendments together are about how the planning system can improve accessibility around our towns, reduce visual clutter and look at the opportunities to share structures. I refer in particular to subsection (12). It states, "Subsection (2) [which is the requirement to do this] shall not apply to a planning authority." Because it does not apply to a planning authority, I think we end up with so much street signage and clutter. It is important directional information, but because planning authorities themselves do not have to go through any process, I think it is often easier to stick in a pole and put another sign on it. It can really cause damage, especially when quite a lot of money is spent improving the public realm and then we get these poles dotted everywhere. It really detracts visually. It does state in subsection (7) that the planning authority "shall have regard to ... the convenience and safety of road users including pedestrians". We should expand that to the visual impact on road users and pedestrians.

I thank the Minister of State. I hope he can consider these amendments.