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

Amendment No. 202 relates to the promotion of human health and well-being. We had a good discussion with the Minister previously on the importance of this consideration in the context of planning. When the Planning and Development Act 2000 was passed, well-being was not talked about much. It is now discussed and considered, but consideration of human health and well-being, as well as all the other very important areas that are listed here, should run throughout the entire planning system. When it comes to considerations for the issuance of a national planning statement, human health and well-being should absolutely be included on the list. I have previously referred to the importance of aspects of design, amenities, open spaces, playing spaces and sports facilities. All those things relate to well-being and human health but, unfortunately, do not always run though the planning system. Anyone living in an area with a large amount of new housing will tell you about all the deficits in these areas and how that affects their well-being and mental health. You can hear the stress from people living in areas where there is a deficiency of these facilities and insufficient consideration given to their health and well-being in the entire planning process. This consideration absolutely needs to run throughout the entire process.

Given that all of these other important areas are listed, it is very important that we list this as well.