Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

I support my colleagues on these amendments. There is a concern that these powers will be abused. That is the genuine concern of all Members on this side because the powers being granted are significant. I accept that in projects such as the Dublin metro, the western rail corridor and so on there is a need for a fast track approach. The reasons these amendments have been tabled is to get the balance in place. There will be controversial projects that are profit driven such as a regional shopping centre. It will be argued that it is in the interests of the public good and that the national spatial strategy states that this should be a regional centre. As a consequence it goes before An Bord Pleanála rather than via the local authority.

The point made by Deputy O'Dowd needs to be taken into consideration. I am in the unfortunate position where two local authorities, Ballinasloe Town Council and Athlone Town Council, encroach into County Roscommon. Based on the legislation, if a proposed development straddles the border between the two counties it can go directly to An Bord Pleanála if it would have a significant effect on the area. That could be something as simple as a traffic effect on the area because traffic would have a significant effect on any community. Whether it is a housing development or a local commercial enterprise I do not see why it should be taken out of the remit of the local authority. The legislation forces local authorities to come together and look at issues such as this. Sometimes it can be difficult to get agreement but in the long run it is in the interests of all the communities involved that it actually happens.

I am concerned that as Deputy Gilmore said the rules can be changed at the stroke of a pen. It is important that the legislation is transparent and that it is not open to a Minister to change the goalposts at some future date.

In regard to the fast tracking of controversial projects Deputy McCormack mentioned the issue of incineration. There is concern at local authority level that the local authority cannot consider public health and safety issues or bring in expertise to deal with infrastructural projects such as incineration. That public health cannot be considered to any great extent is a significant failing in the Bill and will come to the fore when the issue of incineration is dealt with in detail. The powers conferred on local authorities should include taking into consideration the public good and health issues. That is not part of the legislation as it should be.

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