Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)

This is not a revision of the national planning framework; it is just a tweaking around the edges. It is very disappointing that no analysis has been provided on why the objectives of the original national planning framework have not yet been reached or on how this plan will operate differently. In the Dublin area, €19,000 is spent per capita on the NDP. This compares to just €10,000 in the Cork metropolitan area. All of the planning frameworks in the world are worth nothing if the money to implement them ignores the objectives. How is the regional counterbalance supposed to happen if it is not plan-led? Instead, the Government is demand-led, focusing on objectives and requests from developers and speculators.

The revised national planning framework does not properly emphasise the need for infill developments and brownfield developments in our towns and villages. We are seeing large estates being built on greenfield sites around towns. This can have a negative effect on local economies and force more people into cars. I will give one example. Twenty years ago the people of Grenagh in Cork were promised a bus service. They have virtually no bus service now. Loads of houses have been built, but there is no plan. It happened in Whitechurch, White's Cross, upper Glanmire and many other areas.

At the same time, many of our main streets are full of derelict and vacant buildings. One of the key ambitions of the national planning framework is the guidance on "meanwhile use". Local authorities, landowners and prospective tenants are very cautious because there is no clarity on the legal standing when it comes to "meanwhile use". This should be rectified because it is one of the most powerful tools to help regenerate areas and deal with dereliction and vacancy.

There is so much more that could be done in this regard. It is a missed opportunity.

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