Results 3,061-3,080 of 4,726 for speaker:Malcolm Noonan

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Wildlife Protection (15 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: Grazing by deer is an integral part of woodland ecology. Where it occurs at appropriate levels, it facilitates structural diversity, encourages high levels of biodiversity in the ground and field layers, maintains open areas and stimulates natural regeneration. Unfortunately, grazing pressure in Irish woodlands is rarely at appropriate levels. Sika deer, fallow deer and red deer have all...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Waterways Issues (15 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 to 242, inclusive, and 247 to 249, inclusive, together. Waterways Ireland proposes to update the Shannon Bye-laws and Canal Bye-laws which are more than 30 years old and no longer fit for purpose. The needs of users have changed, environmental landscape and health and safety considerations have developed significantly and the waterways themselves have...

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (14 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I move amendment No. 11: In page 28, to delete line 11 and substitute the following: “(ii) on, in, over or under the maritime area,”.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (14 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I move amendment No. 12: In page 30, line 13, after “means” to insert “(except in Part 3)”.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (14 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I will address amendments Nos. 14, 31, 144 to 146, inclusive, 197, 198, 236, 238, 253, 335 to 337, inclusive, 345, 350, 358, 374, 375, 426, 448, 481, 534, 538, 542, 546, 615, 616, 618, 793, 794, 1154 and 1188 as tabled by Deputy Steven Matthews. Amendments Nos. 31, 144 to 146, inclusive, 197, 198, 236, 538, 542 and 546 relate to transport-orientated development. Amendment No. 426 relates to...

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (14 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: It is happening through the DMURS.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (14 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: It is.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (14 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: As I understand it, a sustainable transport strategy is one delivered at local level through the local development plan process but also governed by national policies on sustainable mobility. Deputy Matthews also asked about the definition of transport-oriented development. That is being worked on as a Housing for All action between my Department and the Department of Transport. As I...

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (14 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I agree. The hierarchy is walking, cycling and public transport, and lower down is private car travel. This is what all local authorities are directed to achieve. The Deputy mentioned greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing this is part of the bigger solution. It is a matter of sustainable communities and public health but also of the overarching ambition to reduce emissions.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (14 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: A couple of important points were raised by Deputies. On Deputy O'Callaghan's point, that hierarchy is defined in the design manual for roads and streets. If there is further clarification needed on that, we can provide it. I agree on the importance of what Deputy Matthews is trying to achieve with amendment No. 14. That can vary depending on type of development and location. Deputy...

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (14 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: That is correct. It is "promotion of sustainable settlement patterns and transportation strategies". On the preparation of development plan strategies, it states the strategy shall set out objectives relating to public transport road traffic systems, including sustainable integrated transport. That is quite explicit and use of the word "shall" gives it good strength.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (14 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: That is my reading of it.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (14 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The subsection already includes the phrase "pedestrian and cycling infrastructure". Would that adequately meet it? The Deputy's amendment includes the phrase "including walking and cycling network plans". Is what is in his amendment more specific than the reference to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure? I accept that it is nuanced.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (14 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: That is a good question. I see what the Deputy is saying.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (14 Feb 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: That is in relation to the implementation of national transport policy and local transport plans, as I understand it.