Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I have a few concerns on this matter. Everybody wants to see this being done in circumstances where commercial units can be brought into use for families and individuals. No one wants to delay the process but it is right that there should be some debate because what is proposed is that, until the end of 2021, vacant commercial units can become residential units without being subjected to the planning process. That is an important change that could have an impact in towns, villages, residential areas and so on. It may have visual consequences. It allows exterior changes to be made and people will not have the right to object. There is also the question of fire safety and other issues where there could be serious consequences.

I am also concerned about enforcement. Anybody who has been a local councillor or who has been around and about knows that, as a result of a lack of staff in councils, it is impossible to ensure enforcement in respect of breaches. Will the Government beef up staffing levels to allow for enforcement?

The standards must be very high, but that is not the case with building control standards in this country.

The matter about which I am most concerned relates to telecommunications and broadband. Over the years, I have had much experience of people's concern regarding masts, in particular, and antennae, which are exempt development for most commercial buildings but which are often located near schools and residential areas where communities are not given the opportunity to object. It is a significant cause for concern that people have no opportunity to have a say. We need answers on these issues.

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