Dr. Mary Kelly:

People may object to more than one application but they may still have a very good point. In fairness An Bord Pleanála must treat every objection on its merits. We do that.

It is the case that Ireland has a very open planning system and it is much more open than most European countries. Many European countries do not have any third party right of objection at all. In the North, the UK and Scotland, there is no third party right. The only people that can appeal to appeals board in those countries are the first party, the developer, the promoter of the project or whatever. In many European countries the right of third parties does not exist either. They may have other ways into the consultation process at an earlier stage. In general we have an incredibly open planning system,

In terms of outreach, I would need to have a look at what the Deputy is referring to. It may very well be that the promoters are seeking submissions in terms of asking for people's views. I would not know unless I had a look at the matter. I can assure members that we have a very open system.

On the question of foreshore, it does not extend to the River Shannon. It is a foreshore high water mark and a low water mark. Overturning section 180 is seldom done in cases where it is done at all.