Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Amendments Nos. 930 and 931 propose to amend section 242 to provide that in addition to being able to declare an area of special amenity based on its outstanding natural beauty or its special recreational value, it should also be possible to make such a declaration in respect of areas of "cultural importance to the community or to the nation". The purpose of this section is clear. Under sections 242(1)(a) and 242(1)(b), due to its outstanding natural beauty or its special recreational value an area may be designated as an area of special amenity. To introduce the concept of "cultural importance" would introduce a nebulous and complex rationale which in practical, spatial terms would be difficult to define. Furthermore, the capacity to introduce objectives for the prevention or limitation of development, in the context of the proposed amendment, is a step which could have serious unintended consequences for the necessary and sustainable development of locations. As such I cannot accept amendments Nos. 930 and 931.