Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I will speak briefly to amendments Nos. 60 and 61. I support the spirit of what Deputies Ó Broin and Ó Snodaigh are trying to do with these amendments. The amendments would introduce uncertainty, but I do support the Deputies because we had a discussion on Committee Stage about how we determine what is a significant impact and whether something may have a significant impact. While I support what the Deputies are trying to do, the way it is written would probably create further uncertainty.

Similarly, I appreciate the point covered in amendment No. 61 regarding the surrounding context of a structure. While we do try to protect the curtilage of a protected structure, the surrounding context is very broad in terms of what it involves. I would have difficulty with it. When we were discussing the Maritime Area Planning Act, a lesson I learnt was that when writing an amendment, it has to be very clear and not lead to uncertainty and ambiguity. I support what the Deputies are trying to do.

Amendment No. 62 is also in this grouping and is with regard to point I made on Committee Stage. It states:

Development shall not be exempted development for the purposes of this Act if it consists of any works to, or change in use of, an unauthorised development.

I thought there may have been some confusion about this. I appreciate what the Minister has introduced in amendment No. 62. I acknowledge this and thank him for taking it into consideration on Committee Stage and introducing amendment No. 62.

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