Mr. Terry Sheridan:

I thank Deputy Dowds and Deputy O'Dowd. As regards Deputy Dowds' first remarks on the need for a regulator, it was unfortunate that such a body had to be established on foot of past occurrences, some of which were addressed in the Mahon tribunal with regard to particular incidences that occurred in his constituency. That is the legacy of what happened in the past. The purpose of the regulator is to try to ensure that past mistakes do not recur. We want an efficient, well functioning planning system to ensure the proper planning and sustainable development of the country as a whole.

We have had planning legislation in place for the past 50 years and it is constantly evolving. We are looking at further changes to ensure that the planning system is fit for purpose to deliver on the objectives of Government, local authorities and regional authorities with regard to development plans for local areas.

As regards the Clonburris SDZ, which the Deputy also mentioned on the last occasion, I made a point of going out there. I was pleasantly surprised that the area has huge potential.