Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This issue was raised during private briefings with the officials on the earlier stages of the Bill. Section 86, particularly section 86(1), details the types and categories of developments for which a pre-application consultation can be secured. I had hoped that consideration would have been given in the Bill to a wider opportunity for more pre-planning, subject to available staffing and resourcing within local authorities. The more early discussions there are, whether in respect of a large development or a small one, the more issues or problems are ironed out. Ultimately, that will lead to better-quality planning applications and decisions. Was any consideration given to lowering the thresholds? Are there opportunities elsewhere in the Bill for applicants who do not fall within the categories listed under section 86(1)(a) to 86(1)(d) to have access to pre-planning?