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

I move amendment No. 125:

In page 59, line 27, to delete “or range”.

This amendment seeks to remove the reference to range from the definition of zoning objectives. Amendments Nos. 330 and 333 make the necessary consequential amendments throughout Part 3.

The definition of "zoning objectives" relates to the zoning of lands for particular use as part of a development plan. Currently the section reads: " “zoning objectives” means objectives for the zoning of land for a particular use or range or mixture of uses included in a development plan in accordance with subsection (6) of section 41." These amendments seek to bring clarity to the definition of "zoning objectives"; they do not change the meaning or intent. The reference to range of uses is not clear. Referring to a mixture of uses only is sufficient. We are removing the word "range".

Amendment No. 553 seeks to amend section 73, which sets out the procedure preparing and making co-ordinated plans. These are specific area plans for a settlement or part of a settlement that straddles two planning authorities. Under the Bill, a regional spatial and economic strategy will designate settlements that require such plans. Two planning authorities are required to make a co-ordinated area plan together, with one of the authorities leading its preparation. As currently set out, co-ordinated area plans shall be prepared within one year of making a development plan taking account of the joint nature of co-ordinated area plans and operational considerations in the time required to prepare such plans. Amendment No. 553 extends the window for preparation of these plans to within the first half of the development plan cycle. A co-ordinated plan must be prepared and agreed before the time comes to prepare an interim report and the implementation of a development plan. The interim report is undertaken five years after the adoption of a development plan.

While planning authorities will prepare these plans as soon as possible after preparation of the development plan it is prudent to extend the one-year period given the specific operation arrangements that will need to be put in place for such plans where they involve more than one local authority. While the Bill does not specify the areas where such plans will be required, a typical example would be Athlone, responsibility for which lies with the county councils in Westmeath and Roscommon. One planning authority is designated as the lead planning authority for the purpose of preparing the plan and the other local authority is the associated authority. The two local authorities collectively appoint a co-ordinated area plan committee to prepare the plan with representatives of members from both authorities. Does the Chair wish me to continue with the other amendments?