Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This group comprises amendments Nos. 635 to 639, inclusive, 653, 697 to 701, inclusive, and 705. Also included are amendments Nos. 531, 632 and 695 in the name of Deputy McAuliffe and amendment No. 718 in the name of Deputy Matthews. They propose to amend Chapter 5 of Part 3 which deals with development plan processes and insert a new section into the Chapter. I ask the Deputies to bear with me. I will provide the rationale for this. Part 3 is not the appropriate Part for an amendment concerning the development consent process.

With regard to the substance of the proposed amendment, I oppose the amendment as an existing permitted wind energy development with the condition attached regarding the operational lifespan of the development will require a new planning application to amend this condition. In addition, it may be appropriate to attach such a condition to a grant of permission for a new wind energy development to enable the planning authority or commission to reassess the operation of the development at a later stage in light of, among other things, any planned or emerging land use or infrastructural requirements. As such, while I understand the sentiment behind amendment No. 532, an application for permission for the extension of the operational lifespan of a wind energy development is necessary to allow for a case-by-case consideration of the development, having regard to all relevant matters and to appropriately facilitate public consultation and participation in the decision-making process in accordance with the Aarhus Convention. Therefore, I cannot accept the amendment. I do not know whether Deputy McAuliffe wants to speak to that. Does the Cathaoirleach want to deal with the other amendments now?