Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this legislation, which updates the substitute-consent regime provided in the Planning and Development Act 2000. The Bill's purpose is essentially to streamline the substitute-consent procedure in the planning system. Streamlining of the substitute-consent regime is required to increase the efficiency and utility of the process in order to safeguard confidence in the Irish planning system by eliminating a surplus step in the substitute-consent process. It will also ensure that the system is fully in compliance with EU environmental requirements and recent court judgments. In this context, it is proposed to provide for a single-stage application process under the remit of An Bord Pleanála, which would replace the current two-stage process.

It is also proposed to amend section 37L of the planning Act, which currently allows simultaneous applications to be made for certain quarry developments for both future development and substitute consent to An Bord Pleanála at the same time, so that simultaneous applications will be open to all types of development.

Amendments are also proposed to section 34(12) of the Act which will require planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála to screen an application for retention permission for EIA and AA, and refuse to consider applications for retention of unauthorised development where either EIA or AA are screened in.

While we are considering this legislation, it is appropriate to mention the current situation at An Bord Pleanála. Recent revelations have resulted in a loss of public confidence in the organisation. I know the Minister has ordered an inquiry, which is currently under way. Of course we await its publication, but it is clear the issue of public confidence in the board must be addressed. It is critical that the public and stakeholders can have confidence and faith in our planning system. Ireland's international reputation is at stake. I look forward to measures being taken quickly to restore confidence when the inquiry concludes. As regards, this largely technical Bill, I thank the Minister and his officials for introducing the legislation. I hope it will streamline the process and deliver a more efficient planning system.

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