Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The amendment seeks to amend the obligation to prepare a strategy relating to environment and climate change to provide that when a planning authority is preparing such a strategy it shall also include objectives relating to the zoning of sufficient and suitable lands for renewable and low-carbon energy deployment consistent with the achievement of Ireland's national climate targets. I cannot accept the amendment as I consider that it is already covered by section 41 on the content of development plans. This provides the plan shall include objectives for the zoning of land for a particular use or range or mixture of uses, and shall incorporate an accompanying map that illustrates the zoning objectives applicable to all land in the functional area of the planning authority. This will cover any land required to be zoned for energy development where appropriate. I do not consider that it is necessary or appropriate to single out different classes of zoning.