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

I thank the Minister of State for the information he has brought before the House but wish to raise the fact that the manner in which the OPR has dealt with the attempts of Cork county and city councils to provide a retail outlet centre in their development plans raises serious concerns about its judgment and understanding of its role in this particular process. The OPR's attempt to quash a variation of Cork's plan was rejected by the courts not on one but on two occasions. This indicates why I feel we are right to highlight this extremely concerning issue and the erosion of democratic power at local government level in this country. The judge stated this was not a borderline case, a decision on points or a line call but that it was a win in straight sets. I refer to the issue of going against legal advice. In raising this issue, I want to hammer home to the Department that there seems to be a growth in interference in county development plans. It is highly insulting to members of local authorities that this continues to happen. It is happening on a national basis. That an office in Dublin is trying to tell councillors in places such as Cork how they should conduct their affairs is highly concerning and should be stopped.

I am also extremely concerned about the future of rural development. In recent days, not only with the OPR but also with An Bord Pleanála, huge projects have effectively been shelved as a consequence of new legislation related to environmental targets. I have to question that. I am concerned about what it will do to local democracy if we do not put a stop to it now. I ask the Minister of State to take these points on board and bring them back to the Department.

I congratulate the Minister on the decision he took on the outlet centre. It was the correct one. Perhaps the same could be done regarding the issue in Fermoy.

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