Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

This group of amendments has been tabled on the basis of the same principle that applied to the previous group which related to the agency. Section 11(3) states the agency "shall" do a certain number of things when the strategic plan is being prepared. However, the Bill does not oblige the agency to consult local residents, community groups and organisations. It specifies that it should consult certain bodies and institutions such as the Dublin Institute of Technology, the Eastern Regional Health Authority, the Northern Area Health Board, Dublin City Council, Enterprise Ireland, the Dublin Transportation Office, Córas Iompair Éireann and the Railway Procurement Agency when the strategic plan is being drafted under section 11(3). While such bodies are worthy, it seems the most important ones to consult are those representing local residents whose opinions should be catered for when strategic plans are being drawn up. Any draft plan should be developed on foot of consultation with local residents and organisations. It is difficult to understand how there can be a proper strategic plan that does not involve the local community in the consultative process. It is difficult to understand how there can be a proper strategic plan that does not involve the local community in the consultative process.

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