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

In 2020, there was a section 28 guideline on the approach to planning enforcement during Covid. This was for the hours of operation of retailers. Section 24(2) adds to what is in the Planning and Development Act 2000 where it now provides for public consultation. We believe that we cannot include "shall" because there may be situations - and Deputy Ó Broin may find himself in government - whereby governments have to make a choice at a particular moment and that there is an urgency in that regard. The general intent is to go out to public consultation in all section 28 cases. Under a separate provision, if there is an SEA requiring an AA, there is a statutory process in place.