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

Once again, that is taking away existing safeguards. The SPPRs were introduced to provide safeguards. If we opt for amendment No. 226, it will effectively remove them. I find that very surprising coming from someone like the Deputy in that the SPPRs are safeguards. We are seeking to replace the section 28 guidelines. Embedded in many of those are SPPRs in varying number. We believe there are over 20 but we will give the Deputy the precise figure. Suddenly the Deputy is seeking to reduce their status to the status of guidelines. We believe that will weaken the current planning system. The Deputy effectively wants his provision to apply from when the legislation is commenced. During the transitional period, there would be nothing mandatory in terms of planning. It is ironic that the Deputy is putting that forward. We disagree with him. We all want to get to the same point but we feel the transitional period has to reflect the current position. Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities, published in January, has four SPPRs that strengthen the section 28 sustainability guidelines.