Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

This is really about defining the roles in terms of co-operation, giving clarity to the local authorities on co-operation and providing that the Minister can direct local authorities in this regard. To date, it has been the practice of local authorities to set up technical working groups or technical groups to examine certain issues, including urban development and population, to feed into the RSES process. This gives clarity to local authorities on their responsibilities in developing the RSES. It is an opportunity for the regional assembly to work with local authorities to develop the RSES.