Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The amendment seeks to amend section 84 to provide that planning authorities and an coimisiún pleanála shall perform their functions under the Act in a manner consistent with the climate action plan, the climate action strategy, the national adaptation framework and sectoral adaptation plans, furtherance of national climate objectives, and the objective of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of climate change. I cannot accept the amendment. As I have already stated, I am committed to the language in the Bill, which reflects fully the Department's commitment to the Government's climate objectives while maintaining capacity of the planning system to effectively and appropriately evaluate a wide range of legitimate considerations that need to be balanced in pursuance of its function of facilitating proper planning and sustainable development. I intend to come back on Report Stage on this issue.