Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There was quite a bit of repetition there and I will not go over all of it. Earlier I was asked by Deputy Matthews about the timeframes for the publication of the draft NPF. We are on track for the draft stage to go out in June or July. There will be publication of the draft national planning framework amendment stage in August and final stage in September. We are still on track for this.

With regard to the question raised by Deputy Ó Broin on whether the national planning framework is a policy statement or includes policy, it is very clear in section 21(2) on page 65 of the Bill, which states "The National Planning Framework shall contain a statement setting out the Government's broad national plan in relation to the strategic planning and sustainable development of the State and shall include policies and proposals for the furtherance of the following objectives".

This evening Members have raised specific planning cases on which, obviously, I cannot comment. It is up to each local authority to prepare and develop their own development plan following wide consultation with the public and the councillors who are elected-----

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