Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 1 December 2021

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government

Planning and Development (Amendment) (Large-scale Residential Development) Bill 2021: Committee Stage

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I have nothing further to add on the other points but in response to Deputy Cian O'Callaghan, I remind people that we are returning planning to local authority level. Many points have been made and I disagree with some. It is the wrong place to be making drastic decisions such as those suggested.

The planning review is under way. A significant review of all aspects of planning is being undertaken and we intend to conclude that by next September. It is a sizeable piece of work that would usually take three to five years. It is an extensive review. I expect the work to be concluded by the end of September and the report will probably be published by the end of next year. It is an extensive review. The committee will have an important role in that regard.

The whole thing is about having a plan-led approach. That is what we want and one of the issues with a lot of residences is that plans have not been abided by. When we are setting zonings, development plans and master plans, we have, in some instances, not been prescriptive or descriptive enough about what is due to happen in each area, what heights and density are required. Much of the time, residents will only find out when there is a planning application and it comes as a big surprise. That should not happen. We must change the way we are doing things so it is master plan-led and communities understand what is planned to happen. I will add nothing further. We have had a good discussion. I will not be accepting these amendments. I hope I have answered Deputy Cian O'Callaghan's question.