Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)

I have four very quick questions. I have no issue with the regulations at all. When we first dealt with the street furniture issue during Covid, what was done was very much welcomed. However, one of the issues that came up with local authorities related to concerns around insurance in the context of accidents, liability and so on. Has that continued to be raised by local authorities in their engagement with the Department or is it no longer of concern to them?

The second issue was storage. When we last dealt with these matters, I witnessed a visually impaired gentleman trip over some poorly stored furniture early in the day before it was being used. We suggested that the Department make sure that storage of outdoor furniture is done in an appropriate way. I want to put that on the record in order to make sure this is done.

There was also quite a lengthy discussion on the last occasion around commercial advertising on the awnings, given that people are allowed to have the tables for free. The Department was going to look at that issue to see if commercial advertising was permissible.

To be clear, is Oireachtas approval required here because there are fees involved? In the case of exempted development regulations, there is not a requirement for Oireachtas approval; there is just a need for scrutiny. For my information, is it because there are fees involved that a resolution of approval is needed rather than the matter just being noted?