Mr. Nick Killian:

The Deputy mentioned the raft of legislation that has gone through. As councillors, we make the very strong point that, right across the board, there has been very little consultation from Oireachtas Members regarding much of what has been put through. We are left holding the baby, at the end of the day, as are the county managers. It is ironic that almost two years is allowed for the preparation of a county development plan. Yet, in consideration of this huge landmark Bill we will have for years to come, it seems only two months have been afforded for its passage through the Oireachtas. That is crazy. This is a very large Bill that will have an impact. We are dealing with a housing crisis at present, which will be partly addressed by the Bill, but that Bill will be there long after, please God, the housing crisis is sorted.

The Deputy asked a very clear question about the duration of the development plan. For example, is the five years mentioned in respect of a review a real review or a tick-box exercise? What teeth will that particular review have?