Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Certainly, that speaks to the point around the need for proper consistency and alignment throughout all the planning process, at national, regional and local level. I think those are the inconsistencies that cause people who submit applications to be angered and it leads to increased frustration. Certainly, the Planning and Development Bill 2023 is looking to address that, especially around the guidelines and regulations that will be presented as a result. These types of inconsistencies lead to huge frustration and cost for applicants. We want to ensure we have a system that provides clarity, consistency and speed of decision-making.

At a local level, it is the local authority and the planners who, through their training, expertise and assessment and adhering to the guidelines at national, regional and local level through county development plans and local area plans, make the determination and adjudication on an individual basis. I am sure this committee has worked diligently over the last three years to present a planning Bill that is fit for purpose.