Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This section was of particular concern to Uisce Éireann representatives because they felt that one of the few elements of the planning system that works well is their engagement with local authorities with regard to applications for infrastructure. There is certainty and there are solid timelines. Their fear - perhaps it is a misreading of the Bill on their behalf - is a concern worth raising here, which is that the Bill as proposed would actually disimprove the situation. I understand they have been engaging with the Department officials on it. On previous amendments that also related to their concerns, the officials indicated the Minister was taking on board some of Irish Water’s concerns. I do not know whether these sections relate to those discussions, but if they do, I am happy to withdraw the amendments on the basis of what comes back. Their fear is the Bill as proposed disimproves the certainty in the current system of engaging with local authorities. Therefore, their amendments attempt to reinstate the status quo, as such.