Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 30:

In page 41, between lines 10 and 11, to insert the following:

23.—Section 33(2) of the Principal Act is amended by the insertion of the following new paragraph after paragraph (a):

"(aa) a standard process to be drawn up for pre-application discussions on planning permission to facilitate a more efficient planning process and to promote planning transparency.".".

The amendment is to provide a standardised process for drawing up whatever regulations are required in respect of pre-planning applications and pre-application discussions. When this matter was raised on Committee Stage the Minister of State indicated he would express a view on Report Stage. There is an inconsistency in the interpretation by county and city managers of what constitutes pre-application discussions. If planning and development is to mean anything, we should ensure discussions take place on what constitutes proper planning and development. Equally, when someone is prepared to invest a substantial amount of money, he or she should be able to have discussions before the formal process commences. This can be done in a transparent manner, as the Minister of State indicated on Committee Stage.

I move the amendment to provide for a more standardised system for pre-application discussions and ensure there is no equivocation or misunderstanding on the part of county and city managers about what is the appropriate way to deal with applications, investors and public representatives.

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