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

Amendment No. 339 seeks to delete the word "rural" on page 101 with respect to the obligation to prepare a strategy for sustainable development and regeneration. Why is there a reference to "sustainable rural development"? While I am for sustainable rural development, we need to have sustainable development in other areas as well. I am conscious that section 42(2)(a) refers to compact urban development on brownfield sites and sites that are derelict or underutilised. I wonder whether the reference to rural areas is included so as to have a reference in addition to the one to urban areas in section 42(2)(a). Surely, when preparing a strategy for sustainable development and regeneration, there should be a reference to sustainable development in both rural and urban areas, not just rural areas. The Minister of State might explain this or clarify why the relevant provision is limited to rural areas.