Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It could refer to areas to which the national planning statements have not referred to date. What is allowed for under section 24 is not limited to these areas. If one reads from paragraphs (a) to (o), one can see that what is provided for is wide-ranging. There are areas there that may not be currently covered by national planning statements. The development plans could include objectives and policy. Subsequent to a development plan being adopted, the Minister can issue a national planning statement that may give particular instruction or guidance in a certain area in respect of which policy is already set out in the development. There could be a conflict between the two. Under the Bill, it takes time for the development plans to be updated in line with the national planning statements. Does this not mean that there is potential for continued conflicts that could lead to litigation, delays and judicial reviews? I refer specifically to paragraph (n), which gives that instruction to planners in the context of assessments.