Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is reassuring to hear that the e-planning system is progressing so well. That will bring many efficiencies to the entire planning system and cut down on those masses of paperwork that are involved in a planning application. That is, therefore, a positive move.

I agree with the Minister of State about the range of services that are required now in planning. I talk about things like county architects and biodiversity officers. We see in active travel how that will also tie into our Town Centre First policies. The compulsory purchase order scheme we are going to bring into Housing for All will put those continued pressures on our local authorities. It is where we see a lot of the action and interaction between communities arising from policy we create here. I am glad to hear the Minister of State has met the chief executives and is aware of and working on those resource issues.

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