Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

This amendment is in the name of my party colleague Deputy Ó Cathasaigh. As a result, I am able to speak to it. I will move it if Deputy Ó Cathasaigh is not here when the time comes.

Amendment No. 39 provides a definition of "sustainable development". We have had various takes over many years on people's interpretation of what sustainable development involves. In the context of the description, Deputy Ó Cathasaigh has done a huge amount of work. I hope the Minister will consider whether it is appropriate that we include a definition of "sustainable development" in this Bill, particularly in view of the fact that an amendment to include the phrase "sustainable development in the interests of the common good" in the Title to the Bill was accepted on Committee Stage. I hope the Minister will consider amendment No. 39 as we go forward with this legislation.

I take this opportunity to comment, particularly as it relates to biodiversity and to these amendments, on the fine work that Deputy Ó Cathasaigh has done in respect of community gardens and allotments. These are a small but important aspect of nature that give an opportunity for people who live in urban and other settlements to grow food. This type of work is a good form community engagement and a great social activity.

I appreciate that the Minister has included in this Bill for the first time ever a legal definition relating to community gardens. This matter was raised with us by Community Gardens Ireland. In fact, when the Bill was published in January 2023, reference to allotments was missing from it. We engaged positively with the Minister and the Department and got an assurance that such a reference would be included. The Minister has gone further than that and has taken on board the amendment tabled by Deputy Ó Cathasaigh in respect of community gardens on Committee Stage. That is a positive move.

We should acknowledge the improvements that have happened over the long two-and-a-half year process relating to the Bill. It shows that when one is willing to positively engage and really try and improve matters, one can get results.

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