Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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The wording in the Bill reads " "development” means ... the carrying out of works ... on, in, over or under land, or ... in the maritime area". On exemptions, the Bill reads, " “unauthorised development” means, in relation to land [which is pretty much the same wording, although not as long] or a maritime site". In one part of the Bill that references development, it means maritime areas and land, while another part referencing unauthorised development means maritime sites and land. Why is there this inconsistency in the Bill whereby when it comes to development, it is the maritime area that is included, but when it comes to unauthorised development it is maritime sites? How come we are not concerned about unauthorised development in the maritime area but when it comes to development, it is the whole maritime area that is included? Only maritime sites are referenced with regard to unauthorised development whereas all land, not just maritime sites, is applied to an authorised development. Why the narrowing? It is quite an inconsistency in the Bill to narrow the language used when it comes to unauthorised development but not development. That could have very serious implications.