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

It is a fair point but it is a capacity issue at present. In terms of the pre-application consultation, it is dealing with the large volume of information that has to be compiled to allow the commission to carry out that work.

It is about capacity, given the scale and complexity of such projects. Section 114(4) states that, "subject to paragraph (b) of subsection (6), in any consultation under this section, the Commission ... shall advise the prospective applicant as to the procedures that apply in relation to the consideration of an application for permission under this Chapter". These include, in paragraph (ii) "the time periods and sequencing that will apply in relation to consideration and determination of the application". This is to give certainty to the applicant.