Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank both Deputies for the points they raised. It is important that the planning authority is not a judge, jury and executioner in this regard. We do not support bad actors. That is important. What is set out here is similar to the language used in the 2000 Act. It allows the local authority and the commission to take the necessary steps while ensuring that we continue to resource the enforcement element of it. It is important for property rights, which are enshrined in our Constitution. It is a high bar to ensure that those rights are protected. In this instance, we are saying there is a serious step which requires the interest of fair play and that the applicant be afforded the opportunity to defend himself or herself and, if necessary, to allow the High Court to consider the merits of any proposed development. It is important that such a step can be taken.