Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

That is very true. Our eyes are always drawn to the ones that look run down, rather than noticing the ones that are protected and looked after. That is a fair point.

Amendment No. 1004 is the last one in this group. It amends section 300, which concerns recommendations to planning authorities concerning architectural conservation areas, ACAs. Section 300(7) states the decision on whether to commence variations in respect of the recommendations shall be a reserved function. I suggest it should be a reserved function of the relevant municipal district, also known as an area committee. We subscribe to decision-making at the lowest effective level and municipal district members are best placed to make decisions on ACAs.