Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 5 November 2024

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government

Consultation on the Draft National Planning Framework (Resumed): Discussion

3:00 pm

Photo of Victor BoyhanVictor Boyhan (Independent)
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I thank Ms Kelly very much.

Just before I go, I want to take this opportunity at what will possibly be our last meeting to acknowledge the enormous work the Cathaoirleach has done in leading this committee which is exceptionally hard working. There is no question but that he has given it his all and I want to put that on the record. I know that others will join me in that. It has been a very busy committee and I want to thank, in particular, the officials from the Department who have really engaged with us. We have got to know them, in a way, at this stage over a long period. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his hands-on approach, his leadership, direction and tight control where he always kept us in line and focused on what was proper planning and sustainable development, local government and, of course, heritage which was also very important.

I do not want to let this opportunity go to also thank the committee clerk and her team that ably serve the Cathaoirleach and this committee. We could simply not have done this job without them as it was an enormous task, with an equally enormous amount of correspondence and legislation to be read, to be in touch and to be going on with. We are in very regular contact and it is an exceptionally busy committee that has met twice today and three times in a week. Well done to all of the people. We have always been courteous and have got on reasonably well, kept to the focus and have really tried to do our best to deliver on what really is one of the most challenging areas for the Government which is the delivery of housing. It is also about proper planning and sustainable development.

As well as living in an economy, we live in an environment which has to be protected, minded and nurtured. That has been the key element of the Cathaoirleach's work, his leadership and the work of this committee. I just want to thank all involved.