Batt O'Keeffe (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

These provisions will provide for better quality planning applications and will provide for better quality environmental impact statements. This will ensure people and communities will have the best possible information available to them.

Just because An Bord Pleanála determines that something is strategic does not automatically mean it will grant permission. Permission will be granted on foot of the application and how it stands up to due planning process. This process will build on the excellent decision-making experience of the board in making the correct decisions about the correct developments in line with proper infrastructural developments. This will provide an opportunity to ensure important strategic developments desired by all sides of the House are fast tracked.

The issues, fears and considerations outlined by the Deputies will be covered in the Seventh Schedule. They will be deemed as strategic projects within that Schedule. It is in the best interests of good planning that where a plan straddles different local authorities, this provision will ensure that proper strategic planning will be in place as a result of this Bill.

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