John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----for nothing other than political benefit. This can inflict terror. I have seen cases of that happening. More solidarity among councillors is needed, but I would have no difficulty with some of the measures introduced for Oireachtas Members being extended to councillors in terms of safety.

Senator Casey said that local government is the most rewarding position. I say amen to that. I loved my time on Kilkenny County Council, when I was dealing with little things that affected people's lives instantly and I could get a quick result. I fully agree with the Senator on this. I was a member of the Government that introduced the Office of the Planning Regulator. Between that and the planning framework, we are, in the midst a housing crisis, telling local authorities the maximum number of houses they can build, including in major urban areas. It is far too rigid a system. It is inflexible when it comes to things that emerge from time to time. The Office of the Planning Regulator originated in the wild west days of local government. The idea that it did not stem from somewhere and does not have a function is wrong, but it is a classic Irish situation where a good idea is implemented with such rigidity that it has negative effects on the ground.

I disagree with regard to ten-year plans. County and city development plans were already being put in place for seven or eight years anyway. One of the only things the communists probably got right was long-term planning.