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

This relates to the difference between a decision on appeals to the commission and to applications. The Deputy is seeking to delete section 96(2)(b), which provides that in order for the planning authority to decide to grant permission by resolution for a land-based development that contravenes the development plan, the development must also be consistent with such provisions of the NPF, national planning policies and measures of regional, spatial and economic strategy as deal with the matters dealt with by the provisions of the development plan to which the material contravention concerned applies. These are important provisions that maintain the plan-led approach. Under the Bill, the commission may grant permission in contravention of a development plan if the development is of strategic or national importance having regard to the policy of the Government.