Dáil debates

Wednesday, 16 December 2020

Planning and Development Bill 2020 [Seanad]: Second Stage

 

5:55 pm

Photo of James O'ConnorJames O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this Bill this because, like so many Bills that have gone through the House recently, it shows that we can respond to issues in a way that will allow us to live alongside Covid-19 and avoid stopping developments, where possible. This Bill makes important changes to safeguard planning and building control systems during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Bill will amend the Planning and Development Act 2000 to remove the mandatory requirement to hold physical public meetings on proposed development plans while continuing to oblige planning authorities to hold meetings and engage with members of the public either in person or online. This measure will also have future application, thereby improving the flexibility of the planning system in the context of the development and proliferation of new technologies.

Section 2 of the Bill will amend the 2000 Act. The Act currently requires authorities to hold public meetings and to seek written submissions on proposed development plans while allowing them also to invite oral submissions from the public. The new provision will provide planning authorities with more discretion under new planning authority regulations, which will require consultation with the public.

I welcome the fact that many of my colleagues in the House have raised concerns with regard to hosting public meetings. I agree with some of the sentiments expressed. Perhaps this is a matter to which the Minister can give further consideration. It is certainly a concern for many older people and those who may not have access to online facilities. As a Deputy for a rural constituency, I know that this is quite a large problem. It is surprising how big of an issue communications and access to the Internet is for some rural settlements, including some across my own constituency.

It is also important to look at the ability of the Minister's Department to modernise the planning process as much as possible. As one of the youngest elected Members of the Oireachtas, I know from first-hand experience that the housing crisis is an enormous concern for many young people and that he has an enormous challenge before him.

The provisions outlined in the Bill are certainly proposed in good faith and with the aim of speeding up developments that have been slowed down due to Covid. It is important that we are realistic and acknowledge that in the House. Perhaps, however, when Covid has passed, we should review the issue of online meetings.

I thank the Minister for visiting my constituency during the week. It was fantastic to have him down to meet officials from Cork County Council. He was very aware of the challenges faced by that local authority in trying to speed up badly needed housing developments, both social and private. I look forward to welcoming him back when he is next in Cork East.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.