Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I am concerned that the removal of this means a value is not being placed on landscapes. Some landscapes can be significant. The committee has discussed this in respect of other legislation with regard to archaeology and heritage. Surely if this has been seldom used,it is not an argument for removing it. It means it has been used responsibly and it has not been overused or abused. It has been used selectively in places where there is particular value on landscapes and where there are significant features. Is there not merit in this? Why does the Government think there is no merit in it? The point on it being seldom used does not stack up. Earlier today we discussed a provision in the Bill that remains there which we think may have been used only once, if at all. It has not been taken out because it is seldom used. I do not think this is a good rationale.