Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy raised a valid point. We have €116 billion in Project Ireland 2040 through our national development plan to underwrite many key public infrastructural investments that we need. Our planning code is under review in terms of how to best deliver this public infrastructure through our local authorities. There have been difficulties in the past but we want to make sure those with a valid issue, such as NGOs, have the opportunity and facility to raise it. It is about striking a balance. The programme for Government commits to a review of the system and having our environmental planning court, which is currently in gestation in the Department of Justice and will link in to a review of our judicial review system. All those points will assist in delivering key public infrastructure. The last thing we want is to have infrastructure held up in the planning system. We are keen to progress that as part of the programme for Government.