Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is often a disconnect between aspiration and output. I hear what the Minister is saying about trying to stimulate the economic conditions to deliver on planning and, in particular, deliver one-off housing. However, I am not seeing it in my constituency. When I speak to my colleagues, I note there is a lot of difficulty, particularly in the rural areas, in securing planning permission, be it for their children, people caring for them, or others.

The Minister mentioned the need to reinvigorate and support our regional populations, particularly our rural ones, but I have encountered a myriad of planning cases. They concern not only people in Waterford but also people from outside it. I just cannot see justice or logic being applied to them. Despite what the Minister is saying, I believe the planners have different minds and guidelines. We do need reform of the planning law but we have to consider how we are supporting communities. This is about allowing our communities, particularly rural ones, to refresh themselves and continue. I urge the Minister to secure planning reform and make Ireland a more livable country.

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