Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Yes. Given that Oireachtas approval is necessary, there is no clear role for An Bord Pleanála under this Part and I do not, therefore, see the point of serving notice of the development on the board. Nevertheless, section 20 provides that notice of the development shall be published in at least two newspapers and, under section 21, interested parties can make submissions or observations on the proposed development. An Bord Pleanála has other functions and its role is not to act as a watchdog on State developments when this House is being given that function.

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