Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I concur with the Deputy. It is a very important to ensure that we maximise our resources and skill set within the local authority sector. One thing I see as I go around the 31 local authority networks is how important it is to have the right skills in the right places.

In connection with the Deputy's issues on bringing the two-stage process back to the local authorities on the ground and ensuring that decisions are made locally, we will obviously consult with the local authority network to ensure the resources are there to manage that.

I also mention the huge issue of digitalisation of our planning system, which is to be finalised and finished by quarter 2 of 2022, with Tipperary County Council and Galway County Council in quarter 4 of this year. That will be a single process for submissions, applications, fee structure and appeals, which will obviously give strength to and simplify the planning process. It is very important to bring the citizen right to the heart of planning in his or her community. These measures will assist in doing that, and, obviously, the marine Bill will ensure, through the maritime area regulatory authority, MARA, a very strong and robust regulatory approach.

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