Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have to divorce the first and second parts of section 28, which is difficult given its construction. In the second part, we are talking about original permissions that did not require an EIA at the time. This is a technical extension to that permission. The intention of this Bill is not to open up a second consent process, which is what the amendment could do, and if we were to accept it there could be a knock-on effect on developments which are almost complete but need to be seriously altered, affecting its completion and financing. It would also be a risk for other developments that might be seeking an extension. Sections 28(1) and 28(2) are separate provisions and are not related. Section 28(2) ensures that almost-complete developments of 20 units or more can be completed where the original permission did not require an EIA.

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