Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

In respect of the points made on the planning provisions in the Bill, the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 dealt with planning permission for developments of strategic importance.

At the time, the Tánaiste took the view, however, that largescale prison developments were in a unique position, not just because of the security aspects but also because of the public interest and level of concern that surrounds the development of new prisons and that it would, therefore, be more appropriate that special provisions relating to the construction of prisons should be brought forward.

See this speech in context