Francis Noel Duffy (Dublin South West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

This is in some way similar to the national planning framework where there were six provisions. Five of those were progressive and expansive in the context of the economy and the urban construct. I agree with that and support that we expand and move forward. However, the environmental side in this legislation is again about preserving and protecting, which means to stand still. If everything else is moving forward, the environment is probably going to suffer. If we are moving with everything else, I believe enhancement should also be there. In the previous amendment - which I think was amendment No. 149 - pertaining to the national planning framework, the Minister stated that he would consider using the word "enhancement". This is in a similar space, except it is regional. Can we consider putting that word in?