Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to separate what I am doing as Minister of State with responsibility for planning and what Deputy Pat Rabbitte is doing as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. These are planning guidelines and the economic side is not a matter for me or my Department. My first responsibility is to ensure we have sustainable planning guidelines and balance the needs of the economy with those of the community and the environment and other factors that must be considered in spatial planning. The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is examining the strategy, of which I am sure an economic analysis will be part. I agree that our first priority is to reach our targets and that is the intention of the Government. I also agree that the issue of community gain must be considered. There must be consideration of the needs of the broader community rather than individual land holders. That matter can be considered across the two Departments. It is a live political issue, in which there is great interest. We have time for consultation on the matters within my area of responsibility - planning.

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