Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)

It is an arrogant move, the same arrogance that led to the Minister setting up a heritage trust some days ago and ignoring the 50 years of experience that Ireland's national trust, An Taisce, has given to this land since Robert Lloyd Praeger initiated the organisation some 50 years ago. The Minister ignored those views and appointed people who have more to do with concrete than conservation.

In a few days in Galway, the flap of a tent will open. The people of Ringaskiddy will not be there. Nor will the people of Ringsend or Little Bray, but the Minister's pals will be. This evening sees a dangerous move as this Bill is made a reality. The Minister will cause enormous damage to the planning process and to An Bord Pleanála. The door is being closed to public participation in the planning process. The entire planning system will suffer from the changes being proposed today. I will press the amendment.

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