Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is interesting that on a day of excessive rainfall and orange rainfall warnings, we see that many of the areas that are prone to flooding across the country are such because of bad planning.

I reject outright the use of the term “interference” in respect of the OPR. The office plays a critical role in our planning system. It exists to guide and support the work of local authorities. There is robustness in that the Minister does not have to accept the recommendation. It is worth remembering that the OPR was formally established in 2019 on foot of recommendations made by the Tribunal to Inquire into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, the Mahon tribunal. The appointment of an independent planning regulator empowered to oversee the planning system in Ireland was one of the key recommendations of the tribunal.

I note the concerns raised by the Deputy on Cork but it is critical to note that the OPR is playing an important role, one that we and local authority members should value. We should regard it as a supportive role. Rather than interfering with development plans or democratic processes, it exists to guide and support local authorities in the essential work they do on planning.

See this speech in context